DOHA (Qatar): Al Ahli Saudi entered the 2020 AFC Champions League Round of 16 thanks to a late Marko Marin goal that earned them a 1-0 win over Iraq’s Al Shorta in Group A on Monday.
Following the AFC’s COVID-19 Sub Committee for AFC Champions League West decision to consider Al Wahda withdrawn and their matches ‘null and void’, Al Ahli found themselves going into the fixture in need of just three points to guarantee a top-two spot in the now three-team Group A.
In a lively start to the match at Khalifa International Stadium, the Saudis’ first attempt on target came just four minutes into the game with Omar Al Somah heading Abdullah Tarmin’s cross straight into the hands of goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
Al Shorta delivered a strong response two minutes later, coming within inches of scoring as Karrar Amer rose highest to power a header from Ahmed Jalal’s in-swinging corner, drawing a fine reflex save on the goal-line from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.
Iraqi international right-back Ali Mhawi was booked in the 25th minute following a heavy challenge on Al Ahli’s Abdulbaset Al Hindi in the middle of the pitch.
Centre-back Amer continued to be Al Shorta’s main source of threat as he got on the end of another corner, firing goalward from a tight angle, but the number three watched as his effort was saved by Al Owais, and upon receiving the spilled ball Amer hit the side netting in the 33rd minute. (Source: AFC)
