Live: Palmeiras v Al Ahly | FIFA Club World Cup

Mostafa El MasryJune 19, 2025

2 minutes read

K.O. 19:00 Cairo local time (GMT+2) | 12:00 ET Canada-USA

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (USA)

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Egyptian giants Ahly face a tough test as they clash with Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in a pivotal Group A encounter at the ongoing Club World Cup on Thursday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Ahly were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Inter Miami in their opening match on Sunday, and now face a tougher test against a Palmeiras side that impressed in their own 0-0 draw with FC Porto a day later.

Despite the lack of goals, the Brazilian outfit controlled large portions of their opener, creating several clear-cut chances and leaving a strong impression with their fluid attacking play.

In contrast, Ahly showed two distinct performances — dominating the first half but failing to capitalize, before being pushed back by the MLS side in the second.

“It was an important game for us, and we wanted to take all three points, but we wasted many chances in the first half,” midfielder Mohamed Ben Romdhane said following the draw with Inter Miami. “We should learn from both the positives and our mistakes, and hopefully we will win the next one.”

Winger Taher Mohamed echoed the sentiment, adding, “We missed a golden opportunity to start the tournament with a win. Inter Miami are probably the most accessible team in the group. Palmeiras are on another level, but we’re ready.”

However, Ahly have been dealt a blow with Taher now ruled out of the next two matches after suffering a muscle strain, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The 28-year-old joins a growing injury list at the Egyptian club.

rewrite: He joins classy midfielder Emam Ashour, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a fractured clavicle, while left-back Ahmed “Koka” Nabil is also sidelined with a muscle injury.

Despite these setbacks, coach José Riveiro has a deep squad and is expected to field a line-up similar to the one that started against Inter Miami.

That group showed promise but lacked clinical finishing in the final third.

Defensive concerns also persist, especially after the second-half performance against Miami. Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi was forced into several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Palmeiras

Palmeiras arrive in New Jersey with momentum and ambition.

Their performance against Porto drew praise from pundits, with many considering the Portuguese side fortunate to escape with a point.

Coached by Abel Ferreira, the Brazilian champions possess experience and talent, including playmaker Raphael Veiga, defender Gustavo Gómez, and rising star Estêvão, who is set to join Chelsea for $37 million after the tournament.

Despite their strong squad, Palmeiras are taking nothing for granted.

“Ahly may not be a European side, but this match will be just as challenging as the one against Porto,” said Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton.

“We had no edge going into the Porto game, and being called favorites now means nothing. What matters is the performance on the pitch.”

Midfielder Raphael Veiga agreed, adding, “It won’t be an easy game. Ahly are a strong team with several international players. We’re expecting a real battle.”