Al Ahly and Inter Miami shared the spoils in a goalless however gripping encounter that kicked off the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup in the US.
In a sport crammed with drama, possibilities, and good goalkeeping on Saturday evening, neither facet may discover the breakthrough in what proved to be a irritating evening for each attackers and followers in Group A, which additionally contains Palmeiras and Porto.
The standout performers have been undoubtedly Oscar Ustari of Inter Miami and Mohamed El-Shenawy of Al Ahly, who delivered impressed shows between the sticks to protect some extent for his or her respective sides.
The match’s defining second got here late within the first half when Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ noticed his penalty saved by the alert Ustari.
The save ⏭️ the response. #Fifacwc pic.twitter.com/K3ohNIbib2— FIFA Membership World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 15, 2025
Ashour harm units early tone
Al Ahly’s night took an early hit when Imam Ashour suffered a recurrence of a shoulder harm and left the sector visibly distressed within the thirteenth minute.
His substitute, Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Mostafa, instantly impacted the match, profitable the penalty that Trezeguet did not convert simply earlier than the break.
Regardless of the setback, the Egyptian champions continued to dominate giant spells of the primary half.
Wissam Abu Ali thought he had damaged the impasse with a close-range end, solely to see the flag raised for offside.
Messi hits the bar
Lionel Messi, captaining Inter Miami, got here shut with a trademark curling effort that beat El-Shenawy however thundered off the woodwork.
It was a uncommon second of house for the Argentine legend, as Al Ahly’s defence marshalled him successfully all through.
Second-half pressure
Inter Miami turned up the depth after the restart, bringing on Marcelo and Edgett to stretch the play.
However Al Ahly stood agency, with Yasser Ibrahim main a resolute defensive position that absorbed the stress and appeared to spring counter-attacks.
Possibilities fell to either side late on, together with a golden alternative for Hussein El-Shahat, who could not apply the end, whereas El-Shenawy was known as into motion as soon as once more to disclaim a close-range header.
51′ One other large probability for Inter Miami will get blocked 🧤What an evening it has been for the goalkeepers 👏Watch the @Fifacwc | June 14 – July 13 | Each Recreation | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #Fifacwc #The cooktheworld pic.twitter.com/6zyQsNxD7b— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 15, 2025
Join free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the newest in African information delivered straight to your inbox
Success!
Virtually completed…
We have to affirm your e-mail tackle.
To finish the method, please comply with the directions within the e-mail we simply despatched you.
Error!
There was an issue processing your submission. Please strive once more later.
A degree apiece
The consequence leaves either side stage with one level every forward of harder assignments within the group.
Al Ahly supervisor José Ribeiro and Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano will each see positives of their sides’ software, however the missed possibilities could linger.
For Al Ahly, the draw halts momentum however underlines their defensive energy.
For Inter Miami, it is a take a look at passed–just about–as they proceed to depend on moments of Messi magic and Ustari’s brilliance.
Each groups play their subsequent Group A matches on 19 June.
Al Ahly will meet Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium exterior New York Metropolis whereas Inter Miami will face FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
