In an atmosphere charged with excitement and soaring temperatures, and with Al Ahly fans painting the stands red with their chants, new Portuguese coach José Ribeiro began his official tenure with a disappointing goalless draw against Inter Miami in the opening match of Group A at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite a promising start and Al Ahly’s dominance throughout most of the game, the team failed to convert its control into goals, settling for just one point in a match they had hoped would be a strong opening. Missed chances mounted, especially in the second half, when Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet squandered a decisive penalty that could have given the Red Devils the lead.

The match, marked by physical intensity and attacking aggression from the Egyptian side, also saw an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who made crucial saves in the final moments to keep his team’s hopes alive.

This draw complicates Al Ahly’s position in the group, placing them in a must-win situation as they prepare to face Brazilian side Palmeiras next Thursday in a decisive clash. A victory is essential if they want to progress to the Round of 16.

Although Al Ahly’s strong performance and high-level display were evident, it wasn’t enough—putting added pressure on the technical staff to correct tactical and technical errors ahead of the critical upcoming match.