Al Ahly‘s FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign has come to an end following an exhilarating 4-4 draw against Portuguese giants FC Porto at MetLife Stadium.
Despite a valiant effort and a hat-trick from star striker Wessam Abou Ali, the shared points were not enough for either team to progress further in the tournament, leading to the exit of both clubs.
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An Eight-Goal Spectacle
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring eight goals and four equalizers from Porto. Al Ahly, under the guidance of former Orlando Pirates mentor Jose Riveiro, initially broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through Wessam Abou Ali. However, Porto quickly responded with an 18-year-old wonderkid Rodrigo Mora leveling the score just eight minutes later.
Abou Ali restored Al Ahly’s lead from the penalty spot just before halftime, after a foul on newly signed Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’, sending the Egyptian club into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The second half exploded with goals. Porto’s teenager William Gomes equalized in the 50th minute, sparking a flurry of three goals in less than three minutes. Abou Ali completed his hat-trick with a glancing header just a minute after Gomes’ goal, making it 3-2 to Al Ahly. Again, Porto immediately hit back through Samu Aghehowa, silencing the North African supporters.
Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane then put Al Ahly ahead once more in the 64th minute with a powerful right-footed shot, assisted by Achraf Bencharki. But as the clock wound down, former Real Madrid defender Pepe delivered the final blow, unleashing an 89th-minute equalizer past Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, capping a wild 4-4 draw.
Abou Ali’s Mixed Emotions
Despite his impressive performance, including the tournament’s first hat-trick, a dejected Wessam Abou Ali expressed his disappointment to FIFA’s media team after the match. “I’m very, very sad. I feel like we should have scored six or seven goals,” he stated. “There were a lot of chances to score more and win the game, but we weren’t focused enough to score, and we didn’t defend well. But I’m happy to have scored the goals and the performance we put in.”
This draw means Al Ahly, the record 12-time African champions, finished at the bottom of Group A with only two points from three matches. Their campaign included stalemates against Inter Miami and Porto, and a defeat to Brazilian side Palmeiras.
Financial Takeaway for Al Ahly
Despite their early exit, Al Ahly’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 proved to be financially beneficial. Their earnings from the tournament are as follows:
Participation Fee: $9.55 Million (approximately R170 Million)
Two Draws: $2 Million (approximately R36 Million)
TOTAL EARNINGS: $11.55 Million (approximately R206 Million)
While the on-field results may not have been what the Al Ahly faithful hoped for, the financial gains will undoubtedly be a boost for the club ahead of their upcoming 2025/26 season.