Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Al Duhail came back from a goal down to beat hosts Al Wahda 3-2 in Matchday Two of the 2018 AFC Champions League Group B at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Monday.
The home side were given an early opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Al Duhail defender Sultan Al Brake fouled Mourad Batna in the box two minutes from the start. Argentine striker Sebastian Tagliabue stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to put Al Wahda in front.
Al Duhail went on the offensive in search of an equaliser but had to wait until the 57th minute for their efforts to be rewarded, when Youssef Msakni's squared ball was swept home by Youssef El Arabi from six yards out.
A flurry of chances followed for the Qatari side and they duly took the lead 15 minutes from time, when a deflected ball fell at the feet of Karim Boudiaf who slotted home his third goal of the tournament. Five minutes later, Al Wahda's woes were compounded when El Arabi headed home his second of the night and Al Duhail's third.
There was a late consolation goal for the hosts deep into added time, when Batna dispatched another penalty. Al Duhail top Group B with six points whereas Al Wahda are yet to open their account. Next up for the Emirati side is a trip to Isfahan to face Zobahan on Matchday Three, while Al Duhail entertain Lokomotiv in Doha.