African Dreams Dashed: Al Ahly Bow Out of Club World Cup in Thrilling Draw

The dream of an African conquest at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States dimmed further on Tuesday as Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly were officially eliminated from the competition. The Red Devils played out a pulsating 4-4 draw against Portuguese giants FC Porto at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a result that ultimately saw both teams crash out of the tournament.

In a match that swung like a pendulum, Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, showcased their attacking prowess but were ultimately undone by a late equaliser. Striker Wessam Abou Ali was the undisputed star for the Egyptians, bagging a sensational hat-trick that had the African faithful on the edge of their seats. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added another crucial goal for Al Ahly, seemingly putting them on course for a vital victory.

However, FC Porto, never one to back down, found an equaliser in the dying moments through veteran defender Pepe Lima, ensuring the spoils were shared in a thrilling encounter. Porto’s other goals came from Rodrigo Mora, William Gomes, and Samu Aghehowa.

The draw left both Al Ahly and FC Porto with two points apiece in Group A, a tally insufficient to advance. Their fate was sealed by the other Group A fixture, where Inter Miami and Palmeiras played out a 2-2 draw. Palmeiras, showing incredible resilience, fought back from two goals down in the final ten minutes to secure a point, ultimately topping the group on a better goal difference with five points, ahead of Inter Miami, who also finished with five.

Al Ahly’s exit marks the second African casualty of the expanded Club World Cup, following Moroccan champions Wydad AC, who are also out of contention despite having a final group game to play on Thursday. The hopes of the continent now rest on the shoulders of South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis, both of whom are still fiercely battling for a coveted knockout spot in their respective groups.

While Al Ahly’s journey ends here, their spirited performance, particularly the heroics of Wessam Abou Ali, will serve as a reminder of the quality and ambition within African football on the global stage. The continent watches with bated breath as Sundowns and Esperance carry the torch forward, hoping to etch their names into the tournament’s history.