DOHA (Qatar): Al Ahli Saudi FC advanced to the AFC Champions League quarterfinals after beating Al Ahli Dubai FC 4-3 on penalties after the 120 minutes of their Round of 16 clash ended in a 1-1 draw at Al Janoub Stadium on Saturday.
The two sides had met at the same round in 2017 when Al Ahli emerged 4-2 winners on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals, before exiting at the hands of Persepolis FC.
Al Ahli came racing out of the blocks and within five minutes they thought they had already taken the lead. Marko Marin’s whipped cross from the corner was met by Omar Al Soma’s powerful header which beat goalkeeper Majed Nasser but cannoned off the crossbar. Salman Al Muwashar slotted home the rebound but was flagged offside.
Despite suffering an early blow with the injury of midfielder Majed Hassan, who was replaced by youngster Mohammed Jumaa, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai gradually grew into the match, getting their first sight of goal in the 26th minute when Azizjon Ganiev moved in space down the right and drove an effort that was parried away by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.
Ganiev tested the Al Ahli goalkeeper again a minute later with an effort from outside the box, but once more Al Owais was up to the task and made the save. (Source: AFC)
