Al Ahly’s quest for progression in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup took a major hit on Thursday, June 19, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brazilian champions Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium.
Despite a goalless first half, the match turned on its head after the break, and was briefly suspended in the 63rd minute due to inclement weather with Palmeiras already two goals up. The result leaves the Egyptian giants rooted at the bottom of Group A with just one point, ahead of Inter Miami’s crucial tie against FC Porto.
In the early exchanges, the Red Eagles enjoyed more possession and both sides carved out half-chances, though neither goalkeeper was tested before halftime. The most threatening moment came from Chelsea-bound wonderkid Estêvão, who cut in from the right wing and narrowly missed the far post with a low drive.
Palmeiras wasted little time after the restart, breaking the deadlock just four minutes into the second half. Aníbal Moreno delivered a teasing free-kick from the left, which was inadvertently flicked into his own net by Al Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali to give the Brazilians the lead.
Moreno nearly doubled the lead minutes later with another dangerous free-kick, forcing Mohamed El Shenawy into a fingertip save to keep it out.
In the 59th minute, Palmeiras hit Al Ahly on the counter. Mauricio sparked the move from deep inside his own half and released Flaco López, who calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing El Shenawy and in off the post to make it 2-0.
Estêvão remained a lively threat and had another attempt in the 65th minute, though this time his shot flew wide of the mark.
Al Ahly showed more urgency in the final stages and finally registered their first shot on target in the 85th minute when Afsha forced a save from Weverton. Substitute Hussein El Shahat came close in stoppage time, followed by an effort from Achraf Bencharki that also drew a save, but the Egyptians failed to find the net for the second consecutive game.
With one group-stage match remaining, Al Ahly must now hope for favorable results elsewhere while aiming for a decisive performance in their final outing if they are to keep their Club World Cup hopes alive.
Match Summary
Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly
Goals:
49′ – Wessam Abou Ali (own goal)
59′ – Flaco López
Palmeiras XI:
Weverton; Agustín Giay, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Joaquín Piquerez; Richard Rios, Aníbal Moreno (E. Martínez 67′), F. Torres (Paulinho 76′); Estêvão (Vanderlan 76′), Raphael Veiga (Mauricio 46′), Vitor Roque (F. López 46′)
Al Ahly XI:
Mohamed El Shenawy; Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Achraf Dari (A. Mohamed 62′), Yahia Attiyat Allah (El Shahat 87′); Mohamed Ben Romdhane, Marwan Ateya, Zizo; Hamdi Fathy (Afsha 62′), Trezeguet (Bencharki 62′), Wessam Abou Ali (Gradisar 62′)
