Egyptian team Al Ahly fired blanks to draw 0-0 against USA’s Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup opener in front of 61,000 fans.

The two sides met in the early hours of Sunday morning, South African time, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari stole the show, making five saves in the first stanza, including blocking a penalty on the brink of halftime, denying Trezeguet from the spot-kick.

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, also had their fair share of chances in the second half, but Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenaway was unbeatable in goal.

Al Ahly and Inter Miami will receive $1 million (R18 million) each after their goalless draw.

In the group stage, teams get $2 million (R36 million) for a win and $1 million for a draw, while they get nothing for a defeat.

Al Ahly coach José Riveiro admitted his side was at times “too slow” and failed to get the job done despite dominating possession.

“This game had its mistakes, and we missed chances. If we had scored, it would’ve been a different story. We were too slow at times, and our passing wasn’t sharp,” conceded the Spaniard.

“We dominated before halftime, and there are some positives. It’s the first game, and now we must fix what went wrong and improve.

“It was a surprise in some ways; it was my first match, and playing here is different from Egypt. But I’m proud to represent Al Ahly and hopeful for a better result vs. Palmeiras.”

Both teams play their next Group A matches on 19 June. Inter Miami will face FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while Al Ahly will meet Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium outside New York City.