Al Ahly and Porto played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Monday, but the result was not enough to secure either team's progression to the FIFA Club World Cup's round of 16. The eight-goal spectacle saw Palestine striker Wessam Abou Ali score a hat-trick for Al Ahly, while Rodrigo Mora, William Gomes, Samu Aghehowa and Pepe found the net for Porto.

Both teams entered the match needing a win to keep their hopes alive, but a draw between Inter Miami and Palmeiras in the other Group A fixture meant that both Al Ahly and Porto were eliminated from the competition.

Al Ahly took the lead in the 15th minute through Abou Ali, who finished coolly after a through ball from Hamdy Fathy. Porto responded quickly, with teenager Rodrigo Mora dribbling through the Al Ahly defense to score. Just before halftime, Al Ahly regained the lead when Abou Ali converted a penalty after Zizo was fouled in the box.

The second half was a flurry of goals. Gomes equalized for Porto with a curling shot, only for Abou Ali to complete his hat-trick with a header moments later. Aghehowa then headed in from a corner to level the score again. Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane put Al Ahly ahead once more with a fine strike from the edge of the box, but Pepe's late goal ensured a draw.

Despite the thrilling nature of the match, both teams expressed disappointment at their failure to qualify for the next round. Abou Ali said he was "very sad" and felt his team should have scored more goals.

The game was played at a frantic pace despite the sweltering temperatures in New Jersey. Both teams had struggled to score in the tournament before this match, but they made up for it with an attacking display. Al Ahly's coach, José Riveiro, said his squad remained focused and defiant despite falling short in their first two matches. Porto, managed by Martín Anselmi, had struggled to find their attacking identity throughout the tournament.

With the draw, Inter Miami and Palmeiras advance to the round of 16 from Group A.