JEDDAH, 22 February 2005 — Al-Ahli’s hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals vanished in thin air with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al-Wedad of Morocco yesterday in the Arab Champions League soccer tournament here.
The draw was a big letdown for the throng of Ahli fans who were hoping to see their beloved team recover from an embarrassing defeat by Second Division side Al-Watani of Tabuk last Friday in the Crown Prince Cup.
Instead, what they saw was a no different Ahli team that failed to live up to expectations. With five points from five straight draws, Ahli booted themselves out of contention in Group D. Their remaining home game is against C.A. Bertin of Tunisia.
A goal each by Ahli and Wedad in the first half decided the lackluster contest. Brazilian international Ruggerio put Ahli first on the scoresheet with a goal from close range in the 35th minute, the ball rising above the Wedad goalie into the net after it was deflected by a defender.
Ayed Al-Arif hit the equalizer four minutes later. Ahli were the more aggressive team in the second half but then aggressiveness proved not enough to get goals.
Meantime, Al-Hilal seek to join Al-Ittihad as the second Saudi team to qualify for the round of eight when they meet bottom team Al-Faisali of Jordan in an away match in Jordan. Hilal are in second place in Group C with 7 points as against Faisali’s one point.
