Shabab Al Ahli held by Turkmenistan debutants Ahal in AFC Champions League opener

Shabab Al Ahli salvaged a draw towards the AFC Champions League debutant Ahal FC of Turkmenistan on the King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis in Jeddah on the opening evening of the competitors on Thursday.

Abdy Bashimov broke the impasse for Ahal within the 75thh minute however their pleasure was short-lived because the Dubai membership’s Uzbek midfielder Azizjon Ganiev levelled the scores from a spot kick 4 minutes later.

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It left all 4 groups in Group C on a degree every following goalless end result between Iranian facet Foolad Khuzestan and Al Gharafa of Qatar on the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal stadium on the identical evening.

Taking part in towards a facet they knew little about, Shabab Al Ahli went on the offensive from the outset.

Harib Abdalla Al Maazmi whipped in a cross that was effectively defended by Shohrat Soyunov towards Mohammad Juma and Mohammed Marzooq was extensive with an in depth vary effort.

Mahdi Ali’s facet continued to dominate possession and had their sights on purpose after the half hour mark when Majed Hassan slipped a superb by ball to Juma whose shot took an enormous deflection that was saved by Rasul Charyyev.

Harib Abdalla then despatched the defender the mistaken method earlier than letting unfastened a low shot straight at Charyyev to finish the primary half in impasse.

Ahal started the second half stronger with Ata Geldiyev heading from a nook simply extensive of the put up and moments later Tagayev hit the within of the put up with a left footed shot from a free-kick.

The Turkmenistan facet was rewarded when Geldiyev glanced his header into the trail of Bashimov, who made no mistake from shut vary to attain his facet’s first purpose within the continental showpiece to spark wild celebrations of their camp.

Nevertheless, their pleasure was short-lived as Ganiev transformed from the penalty for the equaliser after Shabab Al Ahli’s Norwegian ahead Thomas Olsen was introduced down by Ybrayym Mammedow.

Within the different video games, Iranian facet Sepahan outclassed Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor 3-1 and Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun overcame Al Duhail of Qatar 2-1, each in Group D.

Up to date: April 08, 2022, 8:24 AM