Al Ahly's ambitions of advancing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup suffered a major blow on Thursday night, as they fell 2-0 to Brazilian side Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite a goalless first half, the second 45 minutes proved costly for the Egyptian giants, who are now bottom of Group A with just one point, pending the outcome of Inter Miami’s clash with FC Porto.
The match was evenly contested early on, with Al Ahly dominating possession in the first half. However, clear chances were few and far between, with neither goalkeeper forced into action before the break. Palmeiras came closest when Chelsea-bound youngster Estêvão cut inside from the right and sent a fierce low drive inches wide of the far post.
Palmeiras took control shortly after the restart. In the 49th minute, Aníbal Moreno whipped in a free-kick from the left, which was inadvertently headed into his own net by Al Ahly striker Wessam Abou Ali, gifting the Brazilians a 1-0 lead.
Moreno nearly scored directly from a similar free-kick minutes later, forcing Mohamed El Shenawy to tip the ball over the bar. Al Ahly's woes deepened in the 59th minute when Palmeiras launched a devastating counterattack from deep. Mauricio played Flaco López through on goal, and the Argentine striker calmly slotted past El Shenawy, doubling the lead.
Shortly after, play was suspended in the 63rd minute due to inclement weather, but resumed with Palmeiras still in control. Estêvão threatened again following the restart, but his effort lacked accuracy.
Al Ahly pushed for a response late in the game, with Mohamed Magdy Afsha recording their first shot on target in the 85th minute. Hussein El Shahat and Achraf Bencharki also forced saves from Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.
It was the second consecutive game in which Al Ahly failed to score, and their hopes of reaching the knockout stages now hang in the balance.
Final Score:
Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly
(Abou Ali OG 49', López 59')
