Palmeiras sink Al Ahly in storm-hit Club World Cup clash

Palmeiras secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly in a stop-start Group A encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The match, which saw the first shot on target only arrive in the 59th minute, was twice interrupted by extreme weather – first by scorching heat, then by a looming lightning storm.

Own goal breaks deadlock

After a goalless first half in sweltering 31°C heat, the Brazilian side finally broke the deadlock in bizarre fashion.

Al Ahly defender Achraf Dari inadvertently headed a free-kick into his own net shortly after the restart – the first goal scored in Group A after 257 minutes of action.

Just 10 minutes later, José Manuel López doubled Palmeiras’ lead with their first shot on target, sealing a vital win.

Weather woes disrupt play again

Referee Anthony Taylor was forced to halt the match in the 62nd minute as dark clouds gathered overhead.

Fans were instructed via stadium screens to “leave the seating bowl and take shelter” due to severe weather warnings. Play resumed after a 40-minute delay.

The heat had already caused an earlier cooling break in the first half, but the threat of lightning proved more dangerous, prompting Taylor to lead players off the pitch.

What’s next for Group A?

Palmeiras now sit in a strong position with four points from two games. Their final group fixture sees them travel to Florida to face Inter Miami on Tuesday, 24 June (1:00 AM GMT).

Meanwhile, Al Ahly remain in New Jersey to take on Portugal’s Porto at the same time, needing a win to keep their knockout hopes alive.

With the group stage heating up, all eyes will be on whether Palmeiras can secure progression – and whether the unpredictable US weather will play another role.