Al Ahly delivered a stunning first-half performance against FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, racing to a 2-0 lead courtesy of two well-taken goals by striker Abou Ali.
The Egyptian giants wasted no time asserting themselves, with Abou Ali finding the back of the net twice in quick succession to put the Portuguese side on the back foot.
His early brace stunned Porto, who were caught off guard by Al Ahly’s intensity and sharp attacking play.
Abou Ali’s first goal came after a swift counterattack that split Porto’s defence wide open.
Latching onto a precise through ball, he calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to give Al Ahly a deserved lead.
Minutes later, the striker struck again — this time with a powerful effort from inside the box following sustained pressure by the Egyptian champions.
Porto, usually composed in continental competition, looked disoriented in the face of Al Ahly’s pace and pressing.
Their attempts to gain a foothold in the match were repeatedly disrupted by a disciplined and energetic midfield trio, while their backline struggled to contain the movement of Al Ahly’s forwards.
Al Ahly’s tactical setup proved highly effective, with quick transitions from defence to attack catching the Portuguese outfit off guard.
Abou Ali, in particular, was a constant menace, making clever runs and finishing with the composure of a seasoned poacher.
Despite enjoying more possession, Porto found clear-cut chances difficult to come by in the first half.
Their most promising moments came from set-pieces, but Al Ahly’s defence remained resolute.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy also made a crucial save just before the break to deny Porto a lifeline.
The two-goal advantage at the interval reflected not just clinical finishing, but also the tactical maturity of Al Ahly.
With one half to play, the Cairo-based side placed themselves in a strong position to pull off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
As the teams headed into the dressing rooms at half-time, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric — the underdogs were ahead, and Al Ahly’s fans were dreaming of a famous victory.
The second half promised drama, but the first 45 minutes belonged entirely to Abou Ali and a fearless Al Ahly side.
