N'Golo Kante And Karim Benzema Score In Convincing Al-Ittihad Win At FIFA Club World Cup

An N'Golo Kante golazo and a record-breaking Karim Benzema goal helped Al-Ittihad to a 3-0 win over Auckland City in the 1st game of the 2023 Club World Cup.

Al-Ittihad captain Karim Benzema became the first player to score in four different editions of the FIFA Club World Cup when he wrapped up a 3-0 victory over Auckland City on Tuesday.

Romarinho opened the scoring on his 33rd birthday with a deflected strike from 19 yards in the 29th minute.

N'Golo Kante doubled Al-Ittihad's lead with a thunderous volley from a similar position five minutes later.

N'Golo Kante pictured volleying the ball to score a spectacular goal for Al-Ittihad in a 3-0 win over Auckland City at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup / TNT Sports

Benzema then finished off a slick team move to get the third goal before half-time.

The French forward - who won the Club World Cup five times with Madrid - has now scored in the 2014, 2016, 2022 and 2023 editions of the tournament.

Tuesday's game was the first of the 2023 CWC, which is being held in Saudi Arabia, and Al-Ittihad's victory saw the home side progress to round two where they will face African champions Al Ahly of Egypt.

The winner of that game - which will take place on Friday - will then meet Fluminense in the semi-finals.