State of African Clubs at FIFA Club World Cup After Opening Round: Resilience, Defeat, and a Historic Win
African clubs have experienced a mixed bag of results in the opening round of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with three of the continent’s representatives struggling against elite opposition, while South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns provided a bright spark with a landmark victory.
Al Ahly Frustrate Messi’s Inter Miami
Egyptian giants Al Ahly opened their campaign with a gutsy 0-0 draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at the Hard Rock Stadium. Trezeguet missed a first-half penalty for the Cairo side, while goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made several key saves, including a stunning late stop to deny Messi in stoppage time.
👉 Read match report here
Espérance Outclassed by Flamengo
Tunisia’s Espérance were handed a 2-0 defeat by Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo in Philadelphia. Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Luiz Araujo found the net for the Copa Libertadores champions, who dominated possession and passing. Espérance struggled to create chances and must now regroup ahead of their second Group D clash.
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Wydad Casablanca Fall to Early Manchester City Blitz
Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca were undone by an early Manchester City onslaught, losing 2-0 in their opening match. Goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku sealed victory for the English champions, despite a spirited showing from Wydad. A late red card to City’s Rico Lewis offered little consolation for the North Africans.
👉 Read match report here
Sundowns Make History With First Club World Cup Win
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns became the first African side to secure victory at this year’s tournament, defeating South Korea’s Ulsan HD 1-0 in Orlando. Iqraam Rayners scored the decisive goal, and the Brazilians displayed excellent control and tactical discipline to go top of Group F.
👉 Read match report here
These opening fixtures highlight both the promise and the challenges facing African clubs on the global stage. While Al Ahly’s composure against Inter Miami and Sundowns’ historic win offer hope, the defeats suffered by Wydad and Espérance underscore the growing gap in tactical depth and finishing quality at this level. With more group matches to come, Africa’s representatives still have a chance to shift the narrative, and prove they belong among the world’s best.
