Canadian national soccer player Ali Ahmed one of many athletes thriving during Ramadan fast

On Sunday night, at the Nations Cup in Los Angeles, Jonathan David scored a goal in the second half to boost Canada up 2-1 over the USA.

That pass he received to set up the strike was from the 24-year old midfielder Ali Ahmed. Ahmed found David in the box and the goal pushed the team ahead to give Canada a third-place finish in the tournament ahead of the Americans.

Ahmed is not new to passing, scoring or helping the Canadian men's team to perform well at the highest echelons of intense competition. 

What's more compelling is what is missing from Ahmed and his teammate, Ismaël Koné: food and water. Ahmed and Koné are Muslim and are currently observing the month of Ramadan which began February 28 and is expected to end March 30. 

Muslims wake up before the sun rises to eat a meal and offer prayers. They refrain from food and drink (no, not even water) until sunset. But the month is not only about not eating or drinking. It's a month that emphasizes spiritual rejuvenation, intense inflection, patience, giving charity, community connection and most of all, worship. 

I spoke with Ahmed via Zoom after Canada lost to Mexico 2-0 in the semifinal and he explained why he chooses to fast —even during important matches. 

WATCH | Jonathan David scores winner against U.S.:

Jonathan David's 2nd half goal lifts Canada to win over U.S.

"Ramadan, obviously, it's a pillar of Islam, but Islam is a big, big foundation of my life," he told me. "I'm used to it too. I've been playing while fasting, and funny enough, in Ramadan, I actually tend to have my best performances. Whether it's in training or in games. So it's honestly never a thought (to) not fast."

Ahmed said his first appearance for his MLS club team, the Vancouver Whitecaps,