Egyptian giants Al Ahly were held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Miami in the opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The match was a tale of two goalkeepers, with both sides creating key chances but unable to find the breakthrough.
In a dominant first half, Al Ahly piled pressure on the hosts, forcing Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into a string of saves. The Argentine shot-stopper was called into action five times before the break, keeping the Herons in the contest.
The biggest moment of the half came in the 43rd minute when Zizo was brought down in the box by Telasco Segovia, earning Al Ahly a penalty. But Trezeguet’s effort from the spot was brilliantly denied by Ustari, who dived to his right to make a strong two-handed stop.
After the restart, Inter Miami came out with renewed energy and tested Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who matched Ustari’s heroics. In the 51st minute, Tadeo Allende latched onto a loose ball inside the area, but El Shenawy reacted sharply to smother the left-footed effort.
Both teams had moments of promise in the latter stages, but resolute defending and sharp goalkeeping ensured the game ended goalless.
The result leaves both teams with work to do in their remaining group stage matches as they chase a spot in the next round of the expanded Club World Cup tournament.
