Egypt's Al Ahly squandered the chance to secure three points against American side Inter Miami, settling for a goalless draw on Saturday in the opening match of the revamped Club World Cup in the United States.
Mahmoud Hassan (Trezeguet) missed a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, saved by Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who, along with Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, played a key role in each team earning a point at the start of the campaign.
Porto will play Brazil's Palmeiras on Sunday in the same group.
Al Ahly drew in their 10th appearance in the competition, only their second, against a record of 10 wins and 14 losses in 26 matches.
Their new coach, Spaniard José Ribeiro, was unable to secure a win in his first appearance after being appointed following the team's league title win, succeeding Swiss coach Marcel Koller.
Al-Ahly played at a high level in the first half, missing three great scoring opportunities, including a penalty kick. They surprisingly declined in the second half, when Inter Miami were close to winning, had it not been for El-Shenawy's brilliance in the closing minutes.
Al-Ahly likely lost their midfielder Imam Ashour, the Egyptian Premier League's top scorer in his final season, to a shoulder injury, as he limped off in the 14th minute.
On the other hand, Inter Miami was unable to please their hometown fans, despite the brilliance of their star player, Messi, who was the most dangerous of his teammates.
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