June 19, (THEWILL) – Palmeiras claimed their first victory of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a commanding 2-0 win over Egyptian champions Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday evening.
The Brazilian side moved to the top of Group A with four points following the result, leaving Inter Miami, Porto, and Al Ahly level on one point each.
Wessam Abou Ali’s unfortunate own goal in the 49th minute opened the scoring for the South Americans, before Flaco Lopez doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a composed finish.
The match faced significant disruption when officials suspended play in the 63rd minute due to severe weather warnings affecting the New Jersey area.
Players and spectators were instructed to seek shelter as thunderstorms approached the stadium, creating the third weather-related interruption of the tournament.
The suspension lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which Palmeiras maintained their two-goal cushion against the 10-time African champions.
Al Ahly proved stubborn opponents in a cagey first half, frustrating the Brazilian attack until English referee Anthony Taylor controversially sent off Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga for a challenge on Ahmed Zizo.
However, VAR intervention led to the dismissal being overturned, allowing the São Paulo-based club to maintain their numerical balance. The breakthrough came when Palestinian striker Abou Ali inadvertently diverted Anibal Moreno’s free-kick beyond his goalkeeper.
Lopez sealed the victory for Abel Ferreira’s side after Mauricio threaded a precise through ball into the striker’s path, with the forward maintaining his composure to beat the Al Ahly keeper.
The goal came at a crucial moment for Palmeiras, who had been held to a goalless draw by Porto in their tournament opener.
Following the weather delay, the Brazilians managed the remaining minutes professionally without extending their lead further.
South American representatives have maintained their unbeaten record throughout the opening stages of the competition, benefiting from being in peak condition during their domestic season.
The tournament has already seen multiple weather disruptions, with Mamelodi Sundowns’ fixture against Ulsan HD delayed for over an hour on Tuesday, followed by a 97-minute suspension during RB Salzburg’s encounter with Pachuca on Wednesday.
Palmeiras will now prepare for their remaining group fixtures with confidence after this convincing performance.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
