Al Ahly v Bayern: Are Pitso’s Men Worth a Punt?

Roughly all of South Africa was celebrating in unison with much of Egypt after Al Ahly beat Al-Duhail SC on their own turf in Qatar to set up a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final date with Bayern Munich. However, the odds are stacked against Pitso Mosimane’s men as they prepare to face the European champions.

Bayern have been in fine form in the Bundesliga recently. They head into Friday night’s clash with Hertha BSC off the back of four successive wins and will then face Al Ahly at the Al Rayyan Stadium on Monday.

Give Pitso His Due

Bayern’s most recent results ahead of the game against Hertha have been a 4-0 away win over Schalke 04 and a 4-1 home drubbing of Hoffenheim. Reigning FIFA World Men’s Player of the Year Robert Lewandowski has already netted 24 times in 18 Bundesliga appearances this season including goals in each of his last eight matches.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Hans-Dieter Flick opts to use his full-strength side despite Bayern’s busy schedule, but regardless, they have no shortage of depth.

Do Al Ahly Stand a Chance?

At least Al Ahly have had time to make themselves at home in Qatar and are no slouches in attack themselves.

The Egyptian Premier League’s top goalscorers have been boosted by four league goals apiece from Kahraba and Mohamed Sherif. However, it was Hussein El Shahat who scored for them against Al-Duhail, while Walter Bwalya saw a goal ruled out for offside by the finest of margins.

Bayern Munich will likely be too strong not only for Al Ahly, but for anybody who crosses their path in this tournament. However, Ahly have every chance of nicking a goal and making a good fist of it. This alone would be cause for celebration.

Options on Both Sides

If you want to put money on Al Ahly, a reasonably safe option would be the +3 handicap market at 0.54, while the +2 handicap market will suit more ambitious punters at 1.25.

However, I expect a Bayern victory in another high-scoring encounter for them. For this result, the best value is in a Bayern win and over 3.5 goals, which is paying even money.

Other potential options are Both Teams To Score (BTTS Yes) at 0.80 and a 3-1 Bayern Munich victory at 9.50 in the exact score market.

Suggested Bets

Predicted score: Al Ahly 1-3 Bayern Munich

Best Bet: Bayern Win & Over 3.5 Goals at 1.80

Altenative Bet: BTTS at 2.15