Achraf Dari: We Missed Opportunities Against Inter Miami and We Will Respond Against Palmeiras and Porto
Moroccan international defender Achraf Dari confirmed that Al Ahly squandered a chance to win against Inter Miami, adding that the team will shift its focus to upcoming matches against Palmeiras and Porto to ensure progression from the group stage. In his post-match comments, Dari stated that the players performed well, but a lack of attacking efficiency prevented them from securing victory, emphasizing that the group will intensify their efforts in future games to please the fans.
The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, ended in a goalless draw characterized by intensity and competitiveness, with goalkeepers Mohamed El Shenawy and Oscar Ustari excelling in averting serious threats. Al Ahly missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring when Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" missed a penalty in the 43rd minute, during a first half that saw a relative dominance by the Egyptian side.
The most notable moment of the match came after a strong challenge by Achraf Dari on Lionel Messi in the 35th minute, which left the Argentine star injured and sparked widespread debate over the officiating. The newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" criticized the referee’s decision not to issue a card, labeling the challenge as "violent and reckless," and called for the utilization of video technology to protect players, especially in matches of this caliber.
Al Ahly is now preparing for a crucial confrontation against Palmeiras on Thursday, in a strong group that also includes Porto and Inter Miami. The absence of Imam Ashour complicates the task for coach José Ribeiro, who is seeking his first victory in the tournament. The draw against Inter Miami marks Al Ahly’s second in their Club World Cup appearances, alongside 10 wins and 14 losses.
