Al Ahly played their second Club World Cup game in Group A on Thursday against Brazilian outfit Palmeiras at the MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.
Following a goalless draw against Inter Miami, the Egyptian champions needed a win to stand a chance of advancing.
However, they were undone by Wessam Abou Ali's own goal and Flaco Lopez's strike to put their chances of progress in jeopardy.
Coach Jose Riveiro has now explained why it was tough for his team to get into the game after conceding.