ACL Elite: Al-Sadd draw 1-1 with defending champions Al-Ain
AL AIN: In their AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 opener, defending champions Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates salvaged a 1-1 draw against Qatar’s Al Sadd at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Monday. Akram Afif initially put Al Sadd in front just before halftime, but Matias Palacios leveled the score for Al Ain in the 80th minute.
The match saw missed opportunities from both teams early on. Al Sadd’s Akram Afif skewed a shot wide in the third minute, and Al Ain’s Soufiane Rahimi misjudged a volley shortly after. Rahimi had another chance in the 11th minute, but his shot hit the left post. Al Sadd’s Mohamed Camara came close in the 20th minute with a powerful strike that Al Ain’s goalkeeper Khalid Eisa managed to save. Barsham, Al Sadd’s keeper, was instrumental, making key saves, including one from Palacios in the 29th minute.
Al Sadd broke the deadlock in added time with Afif reacting well to capitalise on a rebound after his initial effort was blocked by Fabio Cardoso.
In the second half, the game proved to be an intense and physical affair. Al Sadd’s Rafael Mujica narrowly missed doubling the lead, hitting the bar in the 64th minute.
Al Ain increased the pressure on the visitors, particularly after the introduction of forward Kodjo Laba. Palacios eventually equalised with a deflected long-range shot ten minutes before the end.
Al Sadd will host Esteghlal of Iran at home in their next game on September 30, while Al Ain will travel to Doha to play Al Gharafa on October 1.
(Source: AFC)
