Setback for Africa as Al Ahly suffer defeat at Club World Cup

Palmeiras struck first in Club World Cup Group A by defeating Al Ahly 2-0 on Thursday in New Jersey.

Officials suspended the match in the 63rd minute due to a weather warning, instructing players and fans at MetLife Stadium to “take shelter” as a nearby storm approached.

Adverse weather

Palmeiras led by two goals when the match was halted, after a Wessam Abou Ali own goal in the 49th minute put the Brazilians ahead, and Flaco Lopez extended their lead against the Egyptians ten minutes later.

The win put Palmeiras at the top of the group with four points, while the other three teams remained tied on one point each at full-time.

This marked the third match at the tournament disrupted by severe weather.

On Tuesday, officials delayed the kickoff of Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with Ulsan HD for over an hour due to a weather alert.

Then on Wednesday RB Salzburg’s match against Pachuca was suspended in the second half for 97 minutes because of a storm.

Palmeiras, led by talented youngster Estevao Willian, who is set to join Chelsea, played well but were held by Porto in their opening clash.

Al Ahly kept them at bay in a tight first half, in which English referee Anthony Taylor sent off Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga for a foul on Ahmed Zizo, before overturning his decision following a VAR review.

Palestinian striker Abou Ali headed Anibal Moreno’s free-kick into his own net to hand Palmeiras the lead.

Lopez finished coolly for the Brazilians’ second after Mauricio played him through on goal.

After the suspension of around 45 minutes for the weather warning, Palmeiras played out the remainder of the match comfortably without risking their advantage.

South American sides have come into the tournament strongly, in good condition given they are in the middle of their domestic seasons, and have stayed unbeaten to this point.