Al Ahly, a club from Egypt edge first point from the first match after tied Inter Miami, a club from USA scoring 0-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group Stage, Group A at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.
Despite the global spotlight being firmly fixed on Lionel Messi, it was the men between the posts — Oscar Ustari for Inter Miami and Mohamed El Shenawy for Al Ahly — who stole the headlines, producing a series of stunning saves to deny the attackers and ensure a point apiece for their clubs.
Al Ahly controlled much of the early tempo, mounting sustained pressure that tested Miami’s defensive resolve. Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari stood tall, making five crucial saves in the first half alone to keep his side in contention.
The most pivotal moment came in the 43rd minute, when Zizo was brought down in the area by Telasco Segovia, earning Al Ahly a penalty. Trezeguet stepped up, but Ustari guessed correctly and launched to his right, blocking the spot-kick with both hands to preserve the stalemate going into the break.
With momentum shifting after the restart, it was Mohamed El Shenawy’s turn to shine. The Al Ahly captain came to his side’s rescue in the 51st minute, when a defensive lapse allowed Tadeo Allende a clear chance in the box. El Shenawy reacted swiftly, smothering the midfielder’s powerful left-footed drive.
As Inter Miami pressed for a late winner, El Shenawy produced a trio of heroic saves in the closing stages. He denied Fafa Picault’s point-blank header in the 85th minute, then made two more stops deep into stoppage time — most notably, a leaping fingertip save to parry Messi’s curling strike that looked destined for the top corner.
The draw gives both teams one point to start their Club World Cup campaigns. The group stage resumes on June 19, with Inter Miami set to face FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while Al Ahly travel north to take on Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium outside New York City.
Credit Photo : Inter Miami
