AL AIN 17 December 2018: Al Ain FC right-back Mohamed Ahmed has etched his name into Fifa Club World Cup folklore by scoring the fastest-ever goal in the history of the competition’s eight-game format.
Ahmed took only 79 seconds to score the opening goal in Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 hosts Al Ain FC’s 3-0 second-round win over Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia on Saturday night at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Ahmed’s goal was scored 32 seconds quicker than Atletico Mineiro midfielder Diego Tardelli’s goal after 111 seconds in the 2013 tournament.
“I am very pleased that my name will remain in Fifa history books after scoring the fastest goal in the history of the tournament,” said Ahmed after the match. “I hope no one can break my record.”
Despite his memorable goal, a flicked header from a corner, Ahmed is already looking forward to Al Ain’s semi-final clash against Club Atletico River Plate in the competition’s semi-final on Tuesday 18 December. “We want to go all the way and we believe we can reach the final if we have the right attitude against River Plate,” added Ahmed.
Ahmed’s historic achievement was also praised by Aref Al Awani, Tournament Director, Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 Local Organising Committee: “It is great for Mohamed Ahmed to have his name associated with the record as the fastest goal scorer in FIFA Club World Cup history.
It is also an achievement for all of UAE football. These records and achievements in the tournament help enhance UAE football overall.”