Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beirut: Two second-half-goals saw Lebanon’s Al Ahed and Syria’s Al Jaish split the honours in a 1-1 draw in Matchday Three of the AFC Cup Group B.
After a slow start to the game, Al Jaish moved into second gear and had the chunk of possession but failed to create real scoring opportunities.
Their biggest chance came in the 29th minute when Abdul-Malik Anizan struck on the half-volley from Ward Al Salama’s corner kick. Anizan’s effort was kept out by the fingertips of goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil who flew to tip it behind.
A lapse in concentration by the Lebanese defence allowed Anizan to play a quick throw-in behind the backline for substitute Mohamad Anez who crossed first time for Hassan Al Owied to head from close range handing Al Jaish the lead in the 56th minute.
As he did against Manama in Matchday Two, Ahmad Zreik scored for Al Ahed in the 71st minute.
The striker received Hussein Al Zein’s through pass and showed quick feet inside the box to dribble past two markers before finishing with the outside of his left footed into the bottom corner to bring the hosts level.
Al Jaish remain without a win in the competition as they play hosts to Al Ahed on Matchday Four next week.