Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beirut: Jordanian champions Al Wehdat cruised to a 3-0 victory against Salam Zgharta in Group A of the AFC Cup on Tuesday to maintain their Round of 16 qualification push and eliminate the Lebanese side with one match remaining.
After suffering a 4-1 defeat to Oman’s Al Nahda on Matchday Four, the home team went into the game at the Salam Zgharta Stadium knowing that only a win would keep their hopes of progression to the next phase alive, but fell behind when Saleh Ratib opened the scoring midway through the first half.
Al Wehdat then doubled their advantage five minutes before the interval through captain Amer Deeb (pictured) before Senegalese striker Elhadji Malick Tall put the game beyond doubt in the 65th minute to ensure his side need just a point against Al Nahda on Matchday Six to qualify for the last 16.
“We knew we had to stop Salam Zgharta, particularly in the first half because they are strong at home. We gradually started to control the proceedings and scored two goals in the first half which helped us before going to the dressing room,” said Al Wehdat coach Abdallah Abu Zema.
“We now have a good advantage in the last match against Al Nahda because we are playing at home and hopefully we can continue our good performance to finish on top of the group.”
The hosts had the better of the possession in the opening stages but it was Al Wehdat who took the lead in the 24th minute after midfielder Monther Abu Amara was bundled over in the box by defender Ahmad El Massri. Although Ratib’s subsequent penalty was saved, the midfielder reacted quickest to the loose ball and stooped to head the rebound home.
The visitors then doubled their lead in the 39th minute through Deeb, when he finished from just outside the six yard box after good work from defender Basem Fathi down the left.
And the Jordanians put the game beyond any doubt 20 minutes into the second half when Tall tapped into an empty net from eight yards after substitute Baha Faisal’s initial effort was well blocked by goalkeeper Mohamad Dakramanji.
The Lebanese side pushed for a consolation goal but failed to threaten Al Wehdat custodian Mohammad Al Basha as the visitors held out for a comfortable victory.
“We started the match very well and had many scoring chances but we made several mistakes and the penalty was the turning point. We lost concentration and the second goal shocked us,” said Salam Zgharta coach Pieter Meindertsma.
“We were better in the second half but still we couldn’t score. On the other hand, Al Wehdat added a third goal which made things harder for us to make a comeback.”
Photo: WSG