<div>After a goalless first half, the 2008 champions came to life, bagging three goals in the second period to deny Al Ahed the chance of becoming the fourth side to successfully defend their AFC Cup title.<br><br>Five minutes into the game, the hosts came dangerously close to opening the scoring through Rashid Al Hooti, who attempted to volley in a beautifully weighted cross by Abdulwahab Al Malood from the byline, but a defender was in the right place and the ball was ultimately cleared.<br><br></div><div>Muharraq goalkeeper Sayed Jaafar was called into action close to the half-hour mark when Hilal Al Helwe’s deflected shot resulting from a free-kick situation saw Jaafar leap between his posts to get a touch to it.</div>
