2024 CAF Champions League winners Al-Ahly opened their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium, MySportDab reports.
Inter Miami entered this match on the back of two straight wins in the MLS but have failed to keep a clean sheet in both.
So far, the Herons haven’t really impressed under new manager Javier Mascherano but were expected to put up a strong and formidable showing in the Club World Cup opener against the African representatives.
However, it turned out to be another disappointing outing. Al-Ahly put up a strong first-half performance and were just a few miles away from securing victory.
They won a penalty but Egyptian and former Aston Villa forward Trezequet missed it, shooting directly at the Herons’ goalkeeper Oscar Utaris who punched it out and also saved the rebound.
Overall, Inter Miami cower under Al-Ahly’s spirited first-half performance but were able to hold them off without conceding a goal.
Meanwhile, before the break, the Supporters Shield champions nearly found the back of the net but Al-Ahly’s defender dived and cleared the ball just at the goaline.
Away from their largely underwhelming first-half display, Messi, who was quiet in the first half, led a great resurgence in the second half.
The 39-year-old had a curler left-foot strike saved by Al-Ahly goalkeeper. He also had another attempt ricochet against the crossbar in another near miss.
It was a dramatic second half with the Herons pushing the buttons to get a goal but were denied countless times by Al-Ahly goalkeeper’s heroics.
The two sides shared spoils in a dramatic 0-0 draw and will hope to return to winning ways in their next fixtures.
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