Al Ahly Bids Farewell to the Club World Cup with Honor.. and Major Gains Despite the Exit

By: Dr. Hamada El-Antably

Al Ahly Club concluded its participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by exiting the group stage, yet the closing scene was far from sorrowful. Instead, it was filled with excitement and pride following an exceptional match against Portuguese side Porto, which ended in a 4-4 draw in one of the most stunning matches of the tournament altogether.

Although Al Ahly failed to cross the first round, it departed with a stellar performance at the close of its campaign, reclaiming a piece of its footballing identity and customary spirit in a match marked by an open, attacking style. It confirmed that the team has what it takes when playing with confidence and without pressure, and when the players truly believe they can do so.

Indeed, Al Ahly—the representative of Egyptian football and African Champions League holder—succeeded in turning heads with its organized attacking performance and fighting spirit in the final match of its participation in the expanded edition of the Club World Cup. This followed a scoreless draw in the opening match against American side Inter Miami, led by Messi and his companions, in a game dominated by Al Ahly in the first half as it squandered chances one after another. That match served as the foundational cornerstone of Al Ahly’s exit from the tournament, as it squandered an easy victory over an accessible opponent.

The team then lost its second match two goals to nil against Brazilian side Palmeiras, displaying a meager defensive performance. Then came the third match, which served as an act of redemption and self-expression on this global stage. Al Ahly delivered an exceptional encounter that ended in a four-all draw, despite the players continuing to squander goals and showcasing very modest defensive displays overall. Yet, overall, it was a wonderful match for the representative of Egyptian football and African champion, the great Al Ahly of Egypt.

The Closing Scene: 90 Minutes of Football Madness

Looking at the final match of Al Ahly’s participation in the Club World Cup against Porto, we find it was dramatic by all standards. Al Ahly scored four full goals, including a fantastic “hat-trick” by the valiant Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali, who emerged as one of the standout stars of the match and won the Man of the Match award. His teammate Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added the fourth goal with a powerful long-range strike from outside the box, serving as a loud declaration to all teams on the African continent: await an invincible team in the coming seasons.

Despite Al Ahly’s repeated leads, Porto bounced back every time until snatching an equalizer in the closing minutes, halting the journey of both teams at the group stage station.

Al Ahly’s Gains from the Participation

Despite the exit, Al Ahly walked away with several precious gains:

Financial and Administrative Gains (Over 12 Million Dollars)

Al Ahly’s total financial gains from participating in the Club World Cup, according to announced figures, exceeded 12 million dollars. This includes tournament prizes, as the club had previously secured 9.5 million dollars just for participating, plus an additional 1 million dollar for the draw in its opening match against Inter Miami, alongside another 1 million for the draw with Porto, bringing the Red Giant’s total earnings to 11.5 million dollars. This is in addition to 200,000 dollars for each of the four goals scored, not to mention gains achieved from team sponsorships and the training camp. This participation represents the largest financial gain in Al Ahly’s history from an international tournament, bolstering its stance in the file of financial sustainability and future signings.

As for administrative gains, the participation allowed Al Ahly’s management to experience organizing tournaments meeting global standards (travel, equipment, logistics, security, international media), in addition to strengthening relations with global clubs, sponsoring companies, and FIFA officials, thereby enhancing the club’s strategic network of relationships. Add to this that the team’s cadres gained experience from being present in a global footballing event spanning more than two weeks within a highly disciplined professional environment.

A Global Footballing Message

Al Ahly’s global popularity increased, and the search rate for the team on sports platforms and social media rose. European clubs, global analysts, and international news and sports websites praised Al Ahly’s “attacking style” and its “forwards capable of creating chances under the toughest conditions.”

Brilliance of New Additions

New elements in the team’s ranks—such as Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Ahmed El-Sayed Zizo, and the return of the human bulldozer El-Hadji Dieng—managed to capture attention and prove themselves as exceptionally successful signings. Their performance in the tournament stood as proof of this through distinct technical displays and fighting spirit, which will also contribute to strengthening the team’s attacking power in domestic and African competitions.

Team Character in Rapid Recovery

The team demonstrated a strong character that does not surrender after conceding goals, instead taking the initiative and responding swiftly. This reflects a development in “technical mentality” under the leadership of coach José Ribeiro, despite criticisms targeting the defensive system.

A Qualitative Experience in High Pressing

Playing against teams with high tactical levels provided the coaching staff with insight into the team’s limits in high pressing and rapid transition from defense to attack, which can be capitalized upon locally and continentally.

Recommendations for the Future

Despite the honorable performance, the tournament revealed certain defensive vulnerabilities that require addressing, particularly in the center-back and right-back positions, as well as quick tracking back. Therefore, this experience must serve as an important lesson for the team before returning to the local and African arena.

This participation also proves once again the importance of proper planning, mental and psychological preparation prior to major tournaments, and the necessity of conducting professional training camps to face European teams with greater experience and flexibility.

Final Word

Al Ahly bid farewell to the tournament, but it did not leave empty-handed. The numbers, displays, and general impression all fall into the category of “technical success,” even without lifting the trophy. This is the difference between a “symbolic participation” and an “effective participation.”

More importantly, Al Ahly departed the tournament with a clear message: we still have a long way to go to reach a global level. Attacking performance alone is not enough, and major championships require mental readiness, defensive discipline, and a more conscious approach to decisive moments.

The real challenge remains in the aftermath of the tournament: Will the coaching staff treat this experience as a passing appearance or as a turning point?

Will defensive errors be reviewed, mental readiness improved, and psychological preparation levels raised prior to major matches? Those are the questions that will shape the coming phase.

Al Ahly’s fans do not demand miracles, but they expect to see their team as it appeared in the first half against Miami, and in Porto’s four goals… a team that knows no fear, plays with confidence, and fights until the very last moment.

The impossible is not Al Ahly’s way… but it is only achieved through work, self-examination, and the belief that every setback holds a lesson… and every exit can be the start of a new path.

✍️ By: Dr. Hamada El-Antably Researcher in Sports Affairs – Writer and Lecturer