The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage delivered one of its most memorable matches as FC Porto and Al Ahly played out a dramatic 4-4 draw at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For both clubs, this high-scoring encounter was their last act in the tournament, as results elsewhere meant neither side progressed to the knockout rounds. Yet, the spectacle provided a fitting finale, filled with attacking verve, defensive lapses, and moments of individual brilliance.
High Stakes and Early Drama
Both Porto and Al Ahly entered the final Group A fixture knowing only a win would give them a slim chance of advancing. Their fate also depended on the simultaneous clash between Inter Miami and Palmeiras, with both European and African giants needing favourable results to keep their Club World Cup dreams alive.
Al Ahly, the reigning CAF Champions League holders, started brightly. In the 15th minute, Hamdi Fathi set up Wessam Abou Ali, who finished confidently to give the Egyptian side their first goal of the tournament. Porto responded almost immediately, with Rodrigo Mora levelling the score in the 24th minute after a period of sustained pressure.
Goals Galore: A See-Saw Battle
The first half continued at a breathless pace. Just before the break, Porto’s Fabio Vieira conceded a penalty, and Abou Ali stepped up to convert, sending Al Ahly into half-time with a 2-1 lead. The Egyptian side’s attacking intent was clear, and Abou Ali’s brace capped a strong opening forty-five minutes.
The second half exploded into life with a flurry of goals. William Gomes equalised for Porto just five minutes after the restart, but Al Ahly’s Abou Ali completed his hat-trick almost immediately, heading in a cross from Mohamed Hany to restore their advantage. Porto, refusing to give in, found another equaliser through substitute Samu Aghehowa, who nodded in from a corner delivered by Fabio Vieira.
Al Ahly surged ahead once more in the 65th minute, this time through Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, whose powerful strike from the edge of the area made it 4-3. The Egyptian side had several chances to seal the win, but wasteful finishing kept Porto in the contest.
Late Drama and a Fitting Finale
With time running out, Porto pressed forward desperately. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when veteran defender Pepe received a pass from Gabri Veiga and rifled a shot past Mohamed El Shenawy to make it 4-4. The Portuguese side had drawn level for the fourth time in the match, ensuring a dramatic finish.
Despite seven minutes of added time and further chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner. The final whistle confirmed elimination for both, as Inter Miami’s draw with Palmeiras in the other group match meant those two teams advanced.
Key Performers and Tactical Insights
Wessam Abou Ali was the undisputed star for Al Ahly, scoring a hat-trick and constantly troubling Porto’s defence with his movement and finishing. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added further quality in midfield, while Mohamed Hany provided a crucial assist.
For Porto, Rodrigo Mora and William Gomes were lively in attack, while substitute Samu Aghehowa and the experienced Pepe made decisive contributions at key moments. Despite the attacking fireworks, both teams’ defensive frailties were exposed, with lapses in concentration and poor marking contributing to the high scoreline.
Managers Martín Anselmi (Porto) and José Riveiro (Al Ahly) both set their teams up to attack, knowing that only victory would suffice. This approach led to an open, end-to-end contest that delighted neutrals but left both managers ruing missed opportunities and defensive errors.
Tournament Context and What’s Next
The draw meant Porto and Al Ahly finished third and fourth in Group A, each with two points from three matches. Neither side managed a win in the group stage, with Porto drawing twice and losing once, and Al Ahly drawing twice and also suffering one defeat. Palmeiras and Inter Miami progressed to the knockout rounds, ending the campaigns of two of the most storied clubs outside Europe’s top five leagues.
For Porto, the result capped a disappointing tournament, continuing a season of underachievement under new president André Villas-Boas and manager Martín Anselmi. Al Ahly, despite their attacking display in the final match, will reflect on missed chances earlier in the group stage, particularly their goalless draw with Inter Miami and defeat to Palmeiras.
Reflections and Reactions
The match was widely praised for its entertainment value, with fans and pundits alike hailing it as one of the best games of the tournament. Wessam Abou Ali’s hat-trick was a standout individual achievement, while Pepe’s late equaliser underlined his enduring quality at the highest level.
Both clubs will now turn their attention back to domestic and continental campaigns, seeking to build on the positives from their Club World Cup experience. For Al Ahly, the focus will return to defending their African crown, while Porto aim to regroup and challenge for silverware in Portugal.
Conclusion
Porto vs Al Ahly may not have produced a winner, but it delivered everything fans could want from a Club World Cup fixture: goals, drama, and unforgettable moments. While both teams exit the tournament, their thrilling 4-4 draw will be remembered as one of the highlights of this year’s competition—a testament to the enduring appeal of world football’s club showcase.
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