Prediction: Porto vs Al Ahly

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Both teetering on the brink of elimination from the Club World Cup, Porto and Al Ahly go head-to-head at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Monday in a crucial Group A showdown.

Having each claimed just a single point from their opening two matches, both clubs now find themselves three points adrift of Inter Miami and Palmeiras, while also trailing on goal difference — making victory essential to keep their hopes of progression alive.

Porto

Porto’s path to the Club World Cup knockout rounds grew far more complicated after their 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami on Thursday, a result that leaves the Portuguese giants in a precarious position heading into their final Group A fixture.

Martin Anselmi’s men had struck first in Atlanta, with Samu Aghehowa converting a penalty awarded by VAR, but they were unable to maintain their advantage. Within two minutes of the restart, Telasco Segovia levelled the score for Miami, and the match was ultimately decided by a trademark Lionel Messi free-kick — leaving Porto with just one point from two games.

Having previously drawn with Palmeiras, Porto must now beat Al Ahly and hope Inter Miami overcome the Brazilian outfit in the group’s other match. Should those results come to pass, the Dragons could sneak through to the last 16 on goal difference.

Anselmi, who has struggled to fully assert his influence since arriving mid-season, is under increasing pressure. With Porto finishing third in the Primeira Liga for the second year running — their worst back-to-back league finishes since the mid-1970s — another early exit could prompt club president Andre Villas-Boas to reassess the Argentine’s position.

Team News

Team selection remains a question mark, as Anselmi has yet to settle on a consistent formula. A makeshift back three has featured in both games so far, and Fabio Vieira’s deployment as a holding midfielder versus Miami raised eyebrows. Changes could include recalls for Nehuen Perez and Stephen Eustaquio, while backup goalkeeper Claudio Ramos is expected to deputise once more for the injured Diogo Costa.

Up front, Samu Aghehowa remains the Dragons’ main threat. The in-form Spanish striker netted his 26th goal of the season on Thursday and will be central to Porto’s hopes of progression on Monday.

Al Ahly

Even the unexpected disruption by a lightning storm could not alter Al Ahly’s fortunes in their second Club World Cup outing, as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Palmeiras.

The match was halted around the hour mark due to adverse weather, shortly after the Brazilian side had doubled their lead, but despite enjoying 65% possession, the Egyptian giants struggled to threaten in the final third. Their lack of cutting edge means they are now winless in three consecutive Club World Cup fixtures, having failed to find the net in any of them.

While Al Ahly remain a dominant force domestically and on the continental stage — boasting 12 CAF Champions League titles and top spot in the Egyptian Premier League — their record at global level has once again come into question. Another group-stage elimination appears to be on the cards unless they defeat Porto and Inter Miami also beat Palmeiras.

For that to happen, Jose Riveiro’s side would have to make history: they have never beaten European opposition in a competitive fixture, having lost both previous encounters — against Bayern Munich in 2021 and Real Madrid in 2023.

Team News

Al Ahly’s attacking hopes have also been dented by the loss of creative midfielder Emam Ashour, who suffered a broken collarbone on matchday one. In his absence, the onus will fall on ex-Aston Villa winger Trezeguet and star forward Wessam Abou Ali, the Denmark-born Palestine international who has netted 33 league goals across the last two seasons — though he inadvertently scored an own goal versus Palmeiras.

In goal, captain Mohamed El Shenawy is expected to feature once more. The 36-year-old, capped 64 times by Egypt, remains a calming presence between the posts as Al Ahly aim to salvage their Club World Cup campaign.

Conclusion

With both sides needing a win to keep their hopes of progression alive, an open and attacking contest is likely on the cards in their final Group A showdown.

Porto have yet to find real cohesion under Martin Anselmi, and their defensive vulnerabilities could provide Al Ahly with a chance to finally end their goal drought at the tournament. However, despite both teams being forced to take risks, a lack of cutting edge and consistency at both ends may ultimately result in a stalemate — a result that would suit neither side, but could be the most fitting conclusion to two underwhelming group campaigns.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet