Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Al Ain: Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab were both forced to settle for a point in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Group B opener as the tie at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium ended goalless.
Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan had the better of the chances for the home side who reached the semi-finals last year, but the Ghana striker was unable to find a way past Al Shabab goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah.
And with Uzbekistan champions Pakhtakor earlier beating Iran’s Naft Tehran 2-1, the pair find themselves tied for second place in Group B after the opening round of fixtures.
Next week, UAE President’s Cup winners Al Ain travel to Iran to face Naft, while Saudi Arabian King’s Cup winners Al Shabab entertain early pacesetters Pakhtakor.
Match reaction: Pacheco pleased with points as Shabab shutout inaugural ACL champions
Inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain dominated the first half with Gyan, who was the top scorer in last season’s AFC Champions League with 12, threatening for the home side.
And the Ghana striker was unlucky not to open the scoring nine minutes before half-time as Gyan saw his downward header from Jires Kembo Ekoko’s right wing cross palmed away by Al Shabab goalkeeper Abdullah.
Gyan also created the best chance of the second half as Abdullah again denied the striker, this time blocking his strike with nine minutes remaining.
But with Abdullah coming to his sides rescue, Al Shabab held on to claim a share of the spoils.
Photo: WSG