From Warning to Reality… The World Cup is No Stroll in the Park, O Al Ahly!

By: Dr. Hamada El-Antably

When I wrote my first article days ago regarding Al Ahly’s participation in the expanded edition of the Club World Cup, titled “Beware, O Al Ahly… For the World Cup is No Stroll in the Park!”, it was neither alarmism nor a questioning of the team’s capabilities. Rather, it was an early call for focus, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility in a tournament that tolerates neither complacency nor confusion.

I was following the atmosphere from Miami—an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm, extensive media coverage, and unprecedented marketing for a distinctive Arab participation led by an institution as historic as Al Ahly. Yet, what concerned me back then was that some players appeared to treat the event as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration rather than a competitive arena at the highest level, uniting continental champions in a tournament-style competition that stands as the fiercest in club football history.

Today, after Al Ahly has played two matches in the group stage, one can say that the outlines of the picture have become much clearer. The beginning was against American side Inter Miami, featuring star Lionel Messi. Al Ahly emerged with a scoreless draw in a match that could have been decided had it been managed with greater focus—especially in finishing chances during the first half, as well as in the final seconds when an easy opportunity was squandered, one that would have sufficed to snatch the victory.

Then came the much tougher showdown against Brazilian side Palmeiras, which Al Ahly lost two goals to nil, in a match that clearly exposed the gap in readiness, friction, and experience between the two sides. With only one match remaining against Portuguese side Porto, Al Ahly’s chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 appear very slim, if not non-existent, amid complex calculations dependent on the results of others.

Some might speak of moral gains—such as gaining experience, putting up an honorable display during certain stretches, or promoting the club’s name globally. These are aspects we do not deny, yet they alone do not suffice to justify an early exit from a tournament that could have been a golden opportunity to forge new glory, especially given that other African and Arab teams achieved standout results, such as Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal drawing with Real Madrid in the tournament’s opening round, and Tunisia’s Esperance winning in the second round.

All factors for success were available to Al Ahly: administrative backing, strong signings, sponsorship contracts, and a distinctive preparation camp—though I must admit it leaned far more toward media and marketing than physical and technical preparation for the tournament. However, what happened on the pitch did not measure up to the ambitions. The problem was not the defeat in itself, but the manner of it: the absence of clinical finishing, repeated defensive errors, a lackluster display, and a body language from several players that suggested they either failed to realize they were in a global tournament or lacked the confidence to score goals. The team failed to find the back of the net in both matches, and the fighting spirit customary in major fixtures was missing.

Adding to the frustration was that pre-tournament media statements were laden with overconfidence and expectations unsupported by on-field performances. Some players spoke about competing for the title as if it were only a matter of time, while reality revealed that the team still requires a great deal of work to reach the level of global top-tier clubs.

The final match against Porto is no longer a qualification decider, but it remains a test of footballing dignity. It must be played with the utmost seriousness, not merely to save face, but because Al Ahly knows only the language of giants. Even if the journey ends at this station, what is required of the players and the coaching staff is to deliver a performance befitting Al Ahly’s name—a club bearing a long history of gold and challenges.

Following this participation, a frank and serious review is imperative, beginning with technical preparation, moving through player selection, and concluding with match management and media appearances. The lessons we failed to learn from previous participations have returned to repeat themselves, perhaps even more clearly.

It has been confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Club World Cup is no stroll in the park, O Al Ahly. It is an unforgiving tournament that demands a squad fully integrated physically, mentally, and tactically. We possess all the ingredients for success: management, fans, and players. Yet, we need to be honest with ourselves to understand: Why did we not succeed? And when will we succeed?

Al Ahly is a great club, unshaken by a stumble, yet it is a club that never allows stumbles to pass without lessons. If we truly wish to return to the global stage, let us start from Miami… from reality, not from statements.

The impossible is not Al Ahly’s way… indeed, but it is not merely a slogan; it is a commitment and a responsibility.

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