Al Ahly fight for survival in final CWC group game

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jun 23, 2025. 15:00

Al Ahly and Porto will battle to keep their FIFA Club World Cup dreams alive when they face one another in their final group game at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 3am CAT.

Al Ahly currently sit bottom of group A on one point with a goal difference of minus two, having drawn their opening game against Inter Miami before losing their second fixture of the competition against Palmeiras.

The Egyptian giants performed well in the first half against Palmeiras, with the scoreline locked at 0-0 going into the break. However, Jose Riveiro’s men could not contain the Brazilian side at the start of the second half. Wessam Abou Ali conceded an own goal from a set piece in the 49th minute and José Manuel López doubled his side’s lead just 10 minutes later with a stunning solo run and finish.

Al Ahly are still looking for their first goal and win of the tournament.

Like Al Ahly, Porto have collected one point from their two matches so far, having drawn 0-0 with Palmeiras before falling to Inter Miami 2-1 last Thursday. They currently sit above their Egyptian opponents in group A due to a better goal difference.

The Portuguese side took an early lead against Inter Miami, as Samu Aghehowa scored from the penalty spot in the 8th minute. Porto could not hold onto their advantage in the second half as Telasco Segovia leveled the score in the 47th minute. Lionel Messi gave Inter Miami the lead, and ultimately the victory, in the 54th minute with a spectacular long range free kick that found the top left corner.

Both Porto and Al Ahly will hope for a winner when Palmeiras face Inter Miami, as if they share the spoils, both sides will be out of reach and move through to the competition’s knockout stages. Should one side lose, Porto or Al Ahly could draw level on points with a victory, in which case the side with the best goal difference will advance.

By Nic Gleeson