No Goals, Big Loss: Al Ahly’s Ashour Out 3 Months After Miami Stalemate

Al Ahly wasted a series of clear scoring chances, including a missed penalty, as they were forced to settle for a frustrating 0-0 draw against Inter Miami CF in the opening match of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Egyptian side controlled large stretches of the match, especially in the first half, frequently breaking through Inter Miami’s defense with ease.

However, a mix of poor finishing and a standout display from Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari kept the scores level.

Emam Ashour had two early chances denied, including a one-on-one after a clever pass from Trezeguet.

Ashour’s night was cut short by injury shortly after and he was replaced by Zizo.

ASHOUR OUT FOR 3 MONTHS

According to Ahly’s official website, scans have confirmed that Emam Ashour has suffered a broken clavicle and will be unavailable for the remainder of the Club World Cup in the USA.

Emam is scheduled to undergo surgery later on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for the next three months.

Wessam Abou Ali had a goal disallowed for offside and later drew a fingertip save from Ustari with a powerful free-kick.

Centre-back Achraf Dari nearly gave Ahly the lead with a powerful header from a corner, but Oscar Ustari reacted brilliantly to push it away at full stretch. Hamdy Fathy and Ben Romdhane also tested the Argentine keeper, though their efforts were comfortably dealt with during a relentless first half from the Egyptian side.

Trezeguet, a constant threat in the opening period, had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 43rd minute after Zizo was brought down in the box by Telasco Segovia.

However, his penalty was saved by Ustari, who dived to his right to stop the winger’s powerful but central strike, and then blocked the rebound to preserve the deadlock.

Inter Miami CF, featuring stars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, posed little threat before halftime but improved after the break, with Messi starting to find pockets of space between the lines.

The Argentine came closest to scoring in the 90th minute with a trademark curling shot that Mohamed El Shenawy tipped onto the crossbar.

Ahly’s goalkeeper was kept busy in the closing stages, denying Tadeo Allende from close range and making a spectacular diving save to keep out a powerful header from substitute Fafà Picault.

In the 95th minute, El Shenawy bravely blocked Maximiliano Falcón’s effort with his head to prevent a dramatic late winner.

Despite Miami’s second-half pressure, Ahly remained a threat on the counterattack. Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” were brought on late to chase a winner, but the final ball often let them down, and their early dominance went unrewarded.

The match drew an official attendance of 60,927, with Ahly’s passionate supporters making up more than half the crowd and generating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening.

The result leaves both teams with one point in Group A, which also features Brazil’s Palmeiras and Portugal’s FC Porto.

Ahly will next face Palmeiras in a clash that could prove pivotal in shaping the group’s final standings.