AFC Champions League Two
The win saw Al Ahli leapfrog over Al Khaldiya into top spot on six points, one better than their beaten opponents with two matches left to play.
The early exchanges were marked by a fierce battle for dominance in the middle of the pitch with Al Khaldiya’s Dominique Mendy and Ibrahima Diallo of Al Ahli looking to exert their influence and control the game.
The home side forced five corners in the opening 25 minutes but Al Ahli’s defence dealt with each delivery comfortably and gave goalkeeper Marwan Sherif the protection he needed.
The home side forced five corners in the opening 25 minutes but Al Ahli’s defence dealt with each delivery comfortably and gave goalkeeper Marwan Sherif the protection he needed.
On the half hour mark, a long ball from the back was allowed to take a couple of bounces in the Al Ahli box with Saif-Eddine Bouhra forcing a point blank save from Sherif before a Joel Beya lob over the goalkeeper sailed harmlessly over the bar.
Al Khaldiya custodian Ricardo Manuel was finally called into action in the 40th minute, diving low to his side to stop a Nasser Alnasr shot from just inside the box but it remained goalless at the break.
Al Khaldiya custodian Ricardo Manuel was finally called into action in the 40th minute, diving low to his side to stop a Nasser Alnasr shot from just inside the box but it remained goalless at the break.
The cagey game continued in the second half and something special was needed to change the flow which came in the 65th minute when Driss Fettouhi was allowed to drive forward unchallenged before curling a beautiful low shot beyond Manuel for the opener.
Michel Vlap and Julian Draxler then combined for the former to smash a rasping shot from the edge of the box which Manuel did well to tip over.
Michel Vlap and Julian Draxler then combined for the former to smash a rasping shot from the edge of the box which Manuel did well to tip over.
Al Khaldiya clawed their way back to level terms in the 74th minute with a direct play that saw Ahmed Bughammar pumping a long ball forward for Mohamed Alrowaihi to chase and the forward got his head to it ahead of Sherif to nod it home.
Just when it looked like the match was going to end in a stalemate, another Fettouhi piece of magic in the 90th minute sealed the points for Al Ahli, lofting a through ball for Yansane to fire home the winner.
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