JEDDAH, 9 March 2005 — Al-Ahli launched their campaign in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Zawraa of Iraq yesterday in Lebanon.
The win gave Ahli the early Group D lead pending the result of the match today between Syria’s Al-Jaish and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in Syria. Also today, another Saudi side, Al-Shabab, see action against Sepahan of Iran in a Group B match at the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. Ahli secured the three win points after an exciting battle against the Iraqi team.
Ahli found the net for their first goal in the 7th minute when midfielder Tayseer Al-Jasim slammed home the ball that rebounded off a nice block of Rogerio’s shot inside the box by the Iraqi goalie. Al-Zawraa equalized in the 23rd minute on a penalty kick by Ahmad Abdul Jabbar who was earlier tackled inside the penalty zone.
Ahli moved in front at 2-1 at the turn thanks to a crafty maneuver by Majed Abu Yabes who took advantage of a defensive lapse by the Iraqi defender and goalie to slot the ball into the net.
During the early going in the second half, Ahli missed scoring their third goal when Fahd Al-Zahrani was left unmarked and had the ball near the goalmouth only to misfire .
The Iraqis had what would have been their equalizer in the 77th minute canceled due to hard tackles by their attackers. Ahli’s best chance came in the 83rd minute when Rogerio’s header from a nice cross was deflected over the cross bar. Al-Zawraa mounted desperation attacks for the remainder of the match but these were handled pretty well by the determined Ahli squad.
