Club World Cup: Al Ahly eliminated after 4-4 draw against FC Porto

The dream slipped away for Al Ahly. Chasing a miracle to keep their qualification hopes alive, the Egyptian giants were held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by FC Porto on the final day of the Club World Cup group stages.

A breathtaking match, but not enough

Al Ahly had no room for error: only a win, combined with a slip-up from Inter Miami or Palmeiras, could send them through to the next round. And José Riveiro’s men left everything on the pitch. In the 15th minute, Wessam Abou Ali opened the scoring with a clinical low shot, set up beautifully by Hamdi Fathy. But Porto answered quickly through Rodrigo Mora, who produced a sensational goal after dazzling three defenders (23’).

Right before halftime, Al Ahly regained the lead thanks to a penalty converted by Abou Ali, who secured his brace.

A wild second half

Just after the break, Porto leveled the score through William (50’)... only for Abou Ali to complete a rapid-fire hat-trick in the 51st minute, reigniting Al Ahly’s hopes.

But Porto refused to back down: Samu Aghehowa brought them level at 3-3 almost immediately (53’). Then, in the 63rd minute, Ben Romdhane thought he had secured victory for the Cairo side with a stunning long-range strike (4-3). Ultimately, it was Pepe who sealed both teams’ fate in the dying moments (89’), unleashing a powerful drive from outside the box.

A draw means elimination

This spectacular result condemns both teams, who finish the tournament with just two points apiece. A cruel outcome for Al Ahly, who led on four occasions in this high-octane contest. But in this new era of the Club World Cup, sheer entertainment was not enough.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr