Al Ahly face Palmeiras for the third time at CWC

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Jun 19, 2025. 11:00

Al Ahly will go in search of their first victory at the 2025 Club World Cup when they lock horns with Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium on Thursday, June 19.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

The Red Eagles kicked off their campaign in the United States with a 0-0 draw against Inter Miami on June 15 which saw both goalkeepers star at the Hard Rock Stadium to ensure their respective teams didn’t lose their opening match.

Trezeguet had the best chance for Jose Riveiro’s side in the first half, but Oscar Ustari denied him from the penalty spot two minutes before half-time. Mohamed El Shenawy then pulled off a string of fine saves in the second half to keep the Herons at bay.

Riveiro admitted he was taken by surprise at the attendance for their first game as it felt to him like Ah Ahly were playing at home, but he hopes to give the fans something to smile about in East Rutherford if his players can manage to avoid making mistakes against the Big Green.

“It’s like we were playing in Cairo and that was a surprise for me in my first official match with Al Ahly. To be here in the States and have it like you were playing at home is something that can probably only happen in this.” the Spaniard said.

“I am very happy to be here representing the Club of the Century in Africa, and we hope to have a better opportunity in the match against Palmeiras.

“It’s difficult to speak about Palmeiras. We prepare for the game as well as we can. We are going to analyse what happened today in order to try and avoid the same mistakes.”

All four clubs are tied on one point in Group A after Palmeiras also played out to a goalless stalemate with FC Porto on June 15.

The Brazilian giants have met their counterparts from Cairo twice before in the competition, running out 2-0 victors in the 2021 semi-finals after the record 12-time African champions triumphed on penalties in the third-place playoff one year prior.