Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Guangzhou: The destiny of the 2015 AFC Champions League title remains in the balance after Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande and Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates played out a tense but exciting goalless draw in the first leg of the final in Dubai two weeks ago.
While there was no lack of endeavour or scoring opportunities at Rashid Stadium, neither team was able to break the deadlock, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return game at Guangzhou Tianhe Sport Centre.
Guangzhou, who are seeking a second AFC Champions League title in three years, dominated the opening exchanges in Dubai and nearly took the lead in the 25th minute when Al Ahli goalkeeper Ahmed Mahmoud tipped over a dipping volley by Zheng Zhi.
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The Red Knights weathered the early storm and hit back in the latter stages of the first half with Guangzhou goalkeeper Zeng Cheng at full stretch in the 33rd minute to turn Ismail Al Hammadi’s vicious shot from the edge of the area around the post.
Guangzhou midfielder Huang Bowen went closest to breaking the deadlock when he struck the underside of the crossbar 40 seconds after the restart while Mahmoud made another fine save to turn aside a snap-shot by substitute Yu Hanchao with 21 minutes remaining.
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