Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: A last-gasp equaliser from Robert Quijada earned Al Gharafa a 1-1 draw Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli on Matchday Three of the 2018 AFC Champions League Group A
Al Ahli came off the blocks racing and nearly found an opener inside four minutes when striker Mohannad Assiri met Saeed Al Muwallad’s cross first time, but saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Qassem Burhan.
Despite the quick start, the visitors had to wait until the 62th minute to finally find a breakthrough. Defender Aqeel Balghaith powered in a header into the top corner of Burhan’s goal following Taiseer Al Jassim's cross from the left flank.
As Al Ahli looked set for an away win, Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder sent a pinpoint cross for Quijada who watched his header ricochet off the post then followed through on the rebound to drive home the equaliser in second half added time.
Al Gharafa travel to the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah for the reverse fixture next Tuesday.