A first-half header from Peru striker Paolo Guerrero was enough for the South American champions to secure a place in the final, even so they were lucky to survive a wave of second-half attacks from Ahli.

“Obviously, I'm disappointed we've lost, because we played very well,” Al-Badri said after the game.

“I accept we made one or two errors out there today, but in my opinion we were still better than Corinthians.

“If you compare the teams’ performances, you have to say we'd have deserved to win. I'm proud of my team.”

Ahli, who claimed third place in 2006, could repeat the bronze medal feat when they meet the loser of the Thursday’s match between Chelsea and Monterrey.