Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Al Sadd booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2018 AFC Champions League after a 2-2 draw in the second leg of their quarter-final clash with Esteghlal gave them a 5-3 aggregate win.
The game's first shot on target arrived in the 15th minute, when Esteghlal midfielder Mehdi Ghayedi's effort was kept out by Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Aissa.
The hosts took time to settle into the game but showed just how dangerous they can be as the first half went on. Hassan Al Haydos fashioned a goalscoring opportunity out of nothing in the 26th minute, topping off a great run with a stinging shot, forcing a save out of Mehdi Rahmati.
Just a minute later, Al Sadd broke the deadlock through Akram Afif. The youngster picked up Baghdad Bounedjah's lay-off in the box before lashing in an unstoppable shot past Rahmati to give his side a 4-1 aggregate lead.
Esteghlal's reply arrived in the 32nd minute when they equalised with the help of some good fortune. Rouhollah Bagheri's strike was fumbled by Aissa and the ball fell into the net, levelling the score on the night.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/baghdad_bounedjah-al_sadd_1.html
