Late El Shenawy save denies Barcelona a third goal against Al Ahly

Mohamed El Shenawy produced a decisive late save for Al Ahly, stopping Anthony Gordon’s penalty in the first minute of added time as Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Gordon had the opportunity to put Barcelona 3-1 ahead after referee awarded the Catalan side a penalty. The England international had been brought down by Al Ahly right-back Ahmed Eid, but El Shenawy read the kick correctly and kept the attempt out.

The save prevented Barcelona from adding a third goal, although it could not stop the hosts from claiming victory in the match.

Barcelona had taken control in the first half through Hamza Abdelkarim, who opened the scoring against his former club in the 30th minute. The Egypt international finished to put the hosts in front.

Raphinha then doubled Barcelona’s advantage shortly before half-time, converting a penalty in the 45th minute.

Al Ahly responded six minutes after the interval when Ahmed Sayed Zizo reduced the deficit. The Egyptian forward found himself through on goal before completing the move with a powerful finish into the Barcelona net.

The Egyptian side believed they had another opportunity to score from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute. Ahmed Nabil Koka went down after an aerial challenge with Barcelona youngster Bryan Farinas while both players attempted to deal with a cross.

Al Ahly’s players appealed for a spot-kick, but the referee waved play on and ordered the game to continue.

Barcelona held on to complete a 2-1 win, with El Shenawy’s late intervention ensuring that the final margin remained one goal. Video footage of the moment showed the Al Ahly goalkeeper diving to keep out Gordon’s effort and preserve his side’s chance of a late equaliser.

The fixture formed part of the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy. The tournament made history this year by featuring an African team for the first time, with Al Ahly representing the continent in the meeting at Spotify Camp Nou.

The match also brought together a number of notable individual storylines. Abdelkarim scored against the club he previously represented, while Gordon was denied by El Shenawy after earning the penalty that could have settled the contest more comfortably for Barcelona.

Despite Al Ahly’s second-half improvement and Zizo’s goal, Barcelona remained in front until the final whistle. Their 2-1 victory secured the result, while El Shenawy’s penalty save became the defining late moment of the match.