Al Ahly and Inter Miami kicked off the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with draw at Hard Rock Stadium in a tightly contested opener.
Both teams failed to make an impact in the much-anticipated clash in FIFA’s newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which pitted African giants Al Ahly against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Early in the first half, the Red Devils were dealt a blow when Emam Ashour left the pitch in tears with a shoulder injury just 12 minutes in, making way for debutant Ahmed Sayed Zizo.
The Egyptian champions missed a golden opportunity to take the lead late in the first half after Zizo was brought down inside the box, only for Trezeguet to miss a penalty on his first competitive match back in Al Ahly colors.
Inter Miami posed threats at the other end through Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, but Mohamed El Shenawy was solid in goal, especially with two late saves in injury time to ensure the clean sheet.
Both clubs earned $1 million each as per FIFA’s reward structure for the group stage draw.
Al Ahly next face Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday, June 19 at 7 PM Cairo time in a crucial Group A clash. They’ll then wrap up their group campaign against FC Porto on June 23.
