Al Ahly fall to Palmeiras

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Jun 19, 2025. 21:04

Al Ahly have some work do it if they want to keep their 2025 Club World Cup hopes alive after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium on Thursday, June 19.

The score remained goalless at half-time and play was suspended on 63 minutes due to bad weather with the Big Green leading 2-0 and despite Jose Riveiro’s side putting up a fight in the second half, they are now bottom of Group A on one point ahead of Inter Miami’s clash with FC Porto.

The Red Eagles bossed possession in the first half and both teams created a few chances, but neither goalkeeper was required to make a single save.

The Big Green came closest to scoring when Chelsea-bound Estevao cut inside from the right flank and drove into the 18-yard area before drilling a shot inches wide of the right post.

It took Abel Ferreira’s side just four minutes to break the deadlock after the restart as Anibal Moreno’s free-kick from the left was flicked into the back of his own net by Wessam Abou Ali.

Moreno nearly caught out Mohamed El Shenawy with a set-piece from an almost identical position soon afterwards, but the Egyptian keeper was able to get back and tip the ball over the crossbar.

The Brazilian club turned defence into attack on 59 minutes when they launched a quick counter from their own box, with Mauricio playing Flaco Lopez through on goal and the Argentine forward tucked his shot past the on-rushing El Shenawy in off the right post.

Estevao threatened again on 65 minutes following good work from the Brazilian teenager, who dragged his shot much wider of the target on this occasion.

The Egyptian giants ramped up the pressure in the closing stages as they went in search of their first goal and Afsha finally managed to test Weverton on 85 minutes, which was their first shot on target.

Hussein El Shahat also went close in stoppage time before Achraf Bencharki forced Weverton into a save moments later, but in the end Al Ahly failed to find the back of the net for the second game in succession.

Palmeiras (0) 2 (Abou Ali 49′ OG, Lopez 59′)

Al Ahly (0) 0

Palmeiras: Weverton, A. Giay, G. Gomez, Murilo, F. Torres (Paulinho 76′), R. Rios, A. Moreno (E. Martinez 67′), J. Piquerez, Estevao (Vanderlan 76′), V. Roque (F. Lopez 46′), R. Veiga (Mauricio 46′).

Al Ahly: M. El Shenawy, M. Hany, Y. Ibrahim, A. Dari (A. Mohamed 62′), Y. Attiyat Allah (H. El Shahat 87′), M. Ben Romdhane, M. Ateya, Zizo, H. Fathy (Afsha 62′), Trezeguet (A. Bencharki 62′), W. Abou Ali (N. Gradisar 62′).