Ighalo's dream of reaching CWC final ends as Lukaku's goal sends Chelsea through

Published: February 09, 2022

European champions Chelsea are through to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup following a narrow 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal on Wednesday evening.

As suggested by allnigeriasoccer.com before the lineup was confirmed, Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo made his second appearance for Al Hilal from the off.

The former Manchester United and Watford star was one of two players with Premier League experience that started for Al Hilal, the other being ex-West Brom ace Matheus Pereira.

The Londoners were clearly the better side in the opening forty-five minutes and deservedly took the lead through Romelu Lukaku who steered the ball into the net from close range after pouncing on a rebound just past the half-hour mark.

Al Hilal desperately searched for an equaliser in the second half but were unable to find the target, with Ighalo's efforts blocked by the Chelsea defence in the 58th and 67th minutes.

Blues goalkeeper Kepa did not have much to do but made some really good saves when he was tested.

Chelsea will contest the final of the Club World Cup against Palmeiras of Brazil on Saturday, February 12 while Ighalo and his teammates go into the third place playoff against Al Ahly of Egypt.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : Al Hilal

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