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Nigerian star Odion Ighalo was in action for his Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal as they defeat South American champions Flamengo 3-2 to reach the final of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Saudi Arabian side will face the winner of Real Madrid vs Al-Ahly in the final of the competition in Morocco.
Salem Al Dawsari scored two first-half penalties as Al Hilal beat 10-man Flamengo 3-2 to reach their first Club World Cup final on Tuesday.
Al Dawsari opened the scoring from the spot for the Saudi Arabian champions only four minutes into the semi-final at Stade Ibn-Batouta after Matheuzinho was adjudged to have fouled Luciano Vietto.
The in-form Pedro equalised for the Copa Libertadores champions after 20 minutes with a clinical side-footed finish.
A huge moment in the game came deep into first-half stoppage time, when Gerson was sent off for a second bookable offence after he caught Vietto in the box and referee Istvan Kovacs pointed to the spot after a lengthy check on the pitchside monitor.
Al Dawsari made no mistake once again from 12 yards out, and Vietto fired in off the crossbar with his right foot with 20 minutes to play to put the champions of Asia in command in Tangier.
Pedro’s sixth goal in four games for Flamengo in the closing stages set up a tense finale, but Al Hilal hung on to ensure they will face Real Madrid or Al Ahly in the final on Saturday.