African giants Al Ahly are staring at the exit door of the FIFA Club World Cup following their 2 – 0 defeat to Palmeiras on Thursday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
After a promising start to the tournament with a goalless draw against Inter Miami, Al Ahly had an opportunity to strengthen their position against the Brazilian side.
They appeared on course to secure a second point but faltered just five minutes into the second half, when an unfortunate own goal by striker Wessam Ali handed Palmeiras the lead.
Palmeiras doubled their advantage just before the hour mark through Argentinian striker Flaco López.
Al Ahly were still in the game at that point, but whatever momentum they had was disrupted when the match was briefly halted due to bad weather. After a short pause, play resumed, but the Egyptians were unable to mount a comeback.
What It Means for Al Ahly
While Al Ahly are still mathematically in contention for a knockout spot, their hopes are hanging by a thread.
They sit at the bottom of Group A with one point, three behind both Palmeiras and Inter Miami, who are tied on four. To advance, Al Ahly must beat FC Porto and hope the clash between Palmeiras and Inter Miami produces a loser — and by a significant margin.
A draw between Palmeiras and Inter Miami would eliminate Al Ahly regardless of their result against Porto.
Sundowns: Africa’s Best Hope
South African side Mamelodi Sundowns now carry the continent’s biggest hopes of reaching the knockout stage, being the only African team to have registered a win so far.
Africa is represented at the tournament by four teams: Tunisia’s Esperance, Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Wydad Athletic Club.
Should Sundowns defeat Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, they could book a spot in the next round — depending on the outcome of the other Group F match between Fluminense and Ulsan.
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