Al Ahly and Porto serve up Club World Cup thriller

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly and Portugal’s FC Porto played out a pulsating 4-4 draw in their final 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group-stage clash at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, 24 June, in a match brimming with drama, stunning goals, and late heartbreak for the African champions.

First-half fireworks

Al Ahly started brightly, with Wessam Abou Ali breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute, slotting home after a clever pass from Hamdy Fathy.

But Porto’s teenage sensation, Rodrigo Mora, announced himself on the global stage with a dazzling solo effort, weaving past defenders before calmly rounding the keeper to equalise in the 23rd minute.

Just before half-time, Zizo won a penalty after being fouled in the box, and Abou Ali made no mistake from the spot, sending Al Ahly into the break with a 2-1 lead.

However, tension lingered as news spread that Palmeiras were losing in the other group match, leaving both sides aware that more goals were needed.

Second-half frenzy

The game erupted after the restart, with three goals in three minutes. Porto’s William Gomes unleashed a thunderbolt from distance to level the score in the 50th minute, only for Abou Ali to complete his hat-trick with a towering header in the 51st minute.

But Porto refused to relent—Samu Aghehowa nodded in from a Fábio Vieira corner to make it 3-3 two minutes later.

Al Ahly thought they had sealed it when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane curled in a stunning strike in the 64th minute, assisted by Achraf Bencharki—a goal that will surely be a Club World Cup highlight.

Yet, deep into stoppage time, Pepê delivered the final twist, smashing home an unstoppable shot in the 89th minute to snatch a dramatic 4-4 draw.

What this means

Despite a valiant effort, the result wasn’t enough for either Al Ahly or FC Porto, as both sides bow out of the tournament but leave with their heads held high after a thrilling display.

Their travelling fans, who turned MetLife Stadium red, will take pride in their team’s fighting spirit.