FC Porto and Al Ahly played out an electrifying 4–4 draw in their final FIFA Club World Cup Group A match, but both sides were eliminated after Inter Miami and Palmeiras drew 2–2 to advance instead. Nigeria’s Zaidu Sanusi remained on the bench for Porto, unused in all three group-stage games.
The match, staged under scorching conditions at MetLife Stadium, featured relentless attacking play. Al Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali dazzled with a hat‑trick, while Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added a goal. Porto responded at every turn, levelling through Rodrigo Mora, William Gomes, Samu Aghehowa, and veteran defender Pepe, who struck deep into stoppage time.
Despite the thrilling draw, both teams fell short, as the 2–2 stalemate between Inter Miami and Palmeiras ensured neither could reach the knockout rounds. Al Ahly coach José Riveiro lamented the missed opportunity, calling it “a good show for the fans, but not the result we were looking for”.
Editorial
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We see this explosive 4–4 draw as proof that football’s beauty often lies beyond results. Four goals each in the heat of a packed stadium kept every fan glued to their seat even as both teams exited the tournament.
We acknowledge Sanusi’s unfortunate absence from the pitch. His continued omission speaks to a larger narrative managing recovery and squad dynamics amid high-stakes tournaments is no easy task. His journey back from injury is one to monitor, as opportunities remain ahead.
Yet for Al Ahly and Porto, both teams showed why they reached the Club World Cup stage. Tactical courage, attacking verve, and relentless determination it was football at its most thrilling. And though exits sting, the memories will last.
We assert that sometimes the spectacle is reward enough. For players, coaches and fans, this match was a reminder of the sport’s essence passion, unpredictability, drama. And in that, both clubs found something to build upon.
Did You Know?
- Wessam Abou Ali’s hat-trick in this match was the first scored by an Al Ahly player at this year’s Club World Cup.
- Neither Al Ahly nor Porto scored from open play before this encounter all goals in previous matches came via set pieces or penalties.
- Zaidu Sanusi became the first Nigerian announced in Portugal’s 32-team expanded Club World Cup squads, though without playing time.
- This tournament marked the first use of the quadrennial 32-team format in the Club World Cup’s history.
- Inter Miami reached the knockout stage despite not scoring in any of their group matches, thanks to consistent draws.
