Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Salalah: A second half Vinicius Calamari brace ensured Dhofar Club ended their 2018 AFC Cup Group C campaign with a 2-0 win over Al Wahda on Monday.
The already-eliminated pair went into the game with nothing to lose but it was the Omanis who emerged top to finish their campaign in second place.
Despite almost equal possession, Dhofar were close to opening the scoring 20 minutes into the first half but efforts from Amro Jenyat and Calamari from inside and outside the box were rescued by goalkeeper Radwan Al Azhar as the two sides headed into the break level.
Dhofar successfully capitalised on the pressure they had put on Al Wahda in the 68th minute, as Motaz Saleh sent the ball to Ali Salim Al Nahar whose thunderous drive hit the post and rebounded to unmarked Calamari. The Brazilian was composed in taking his chance to break the tie from a very close range.
Al Wahda looked to get back into the game, relying on set pieces that brought them closer to Dhofar’s net. But the hosts hit on the break as, Abdullah Fawaz took advantage of gaps in the Syrians' defence and started a counter-attack in the 89th minute sending the ball to Calamari who smoothly doubled the score for his side.
The win leaves Dhofar in second place with eight points, one point right above Al Ansar, while Al Wahda finish bottom of the table with five points. Al Faisaly earn the group's ticket into the West Zonal Semi-finals.