El Shenawy denies Lionel Messi injury-time winner as Jose Riveiro's Al Ahly hold Inter Miami in Fifa Club World Cup opener

African giants Al Ahly began their 2025 Fifa Club World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Major Soccer League side Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Credit goes to both goalkeepers, El Shenawy for Al Ahly and Oscar Ustari of Inter Miami, whose saves proved crucial for their sides in the showdown.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly came close to breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute when Abou Ahly was released through on goal, but his effort was weak and did not trouble Ustari. However, his goal would not have stood, though, as the offside flag was already up.

The former Caf Champions League winners were hit by an injury scare when Emam Ashour hurt his shoulder and had to be withdrawn and replaced by Zizo in the 14th minute.

El Shenawy was called into action in the 21st minute when he had to leave his line and race to clear a dangerous ball by Noah Allen, who was set through on goal by Lionel Messi.

Wessam Abou Ali had the ball inside the net at the half-hour mark, but despite a nice finish, it was ruled out for offside.

The Egyptian titans kept applying pressure on Inter Miami, and in the 42nd minute, they won a penalty when Zizo was fouled by Telasco Segovia. However, Ustari, later named Man of the Match, saved the day for Inter Miami as he denied Trezeguet from the spot.

Late El Shenawy's reactions saved the Red Devils from going down; first, the Egyptian goalkeeper tipped Fafa Picault's header away before turning away Messi's effort onto the crossbar in the sixth minute of added time.

After he received treatment, he managed to block an effort by Maximiliano Falcon, who thought he had won it for Inter Miami.

After big saves from both goalkeepers, the opening match of this year's Club World Cup edition ended in a goalless draw.

Al Ahly would have easily scored three or four goals in the first half, but Ashour, Hamdy Fathy, and Trezeguet wasted clear chances that would have given them an advantage before the second half.

However, the brave attacking game shown, especially in the first half, is a positive sign for head coach Jose Riveiro, as the former Orlando Pirates tactician took charge of his first competitive game.

The Egyptian Premier League winners will face Brazilian side Palmeiras in the second Group A game on Thursday, while Inter Miami will face Porto.

This is a match that they must win in order to boost their chances of progressing into the knockout stage.