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Despite Early Exit, Al Ahly Fans Shine in New Jersey, Turn MetLife Stadium into a Red Fortress

Walid Abbas Despite exiting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup from the group stage with just two points and four goals scored, Egypt's Al Ahly SC captured global attention in their final appearance in the tournament, delivering one of the most thrilling matches in a 4-4 draw against Portugal's FC Porto at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey early Tuesday morning. Palestinian striker Wissam Abu Ali netted a brilliant hat-trick, while Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added a stunning goal. However, defensive errors and more than 15 missed scoring opportunities cost the Red Devils a win that was within reach, leaving them with just two points from three matches. Nevertheless, it was the fans who truly stole the spotlight. Thousands of Al Ahly supporters from across the United States packed the stadium stands, waving flags and chanting, transforming MetLife into a true "Red Fortress" — a scene that astonished even head coach José Ribeiro, who said:"I've never seen anything like this before. Al Ahly fans are truly incredible." The passionate support wasn't limited to Egyptian expatriates in the U.S. Fans traveled from Egypt itself, as well as from countries like Canada and across Europe, to back the club in this global tournament — demonstrating Al Ahly's enormous worldwide popularity. Though eliminated, Al Ahly secured a generous financial reward from FIFA, earning $11.55 million (around EGP 585 million), including $9.55 million for participation and an additional $1 million for each draw against Inter Miami and Porto. Following their exit, the team's coaching staff granted the players an 18-day rest before resuming training ahead of the new season, with strong indications that a pre-season camp in Spain is likely. El-Shenawy Sends Emotional Message to Fans: 'This Is Not the End... It's a New Beginning' In a heartfelt gesture, team captain and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy apologized to Al Ahly fans after the team's exit from the tournament. On his Instagram account, he wrote: 'We're sorry. We truly wanted to bring you joy today with a win. From the bottom of our hearts, we say: you deserve better. To Al Ahly fans who are always behind us, every moment, every match… thank you.' He added:'The bond between us has never been just about football. It's one soul, one heart, and one goal.' 'Our promise to you: this is not the end. This is the start of a new era. God willing, the best is yet to come. We will fight to bring you joy, to keep the Al Ahly eagle flying high — for you.' In the end, despite missing out on the Round of 16, Al Ahly left the tournament with significant technical, emotional, and fan-driven gains. The unwavering support — whether from Egypt or the diaspora — reaffirmed that 'Al Ahly is who shows up' isn't just a slogan. It's a living truth that continues to be proven on the world stage. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean