Asian Champions League: Al Sadd hold Al Wasl to 1-1 draw in Round of 16 first leg

DUBAI: Al Sadd secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Al-Wasl in Dubai on Monday in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 encounter.

The hosts took an early lead in the third minute when Nicolas Gimenez’s deep corner was not properly cleared, allowing captain Ali Saleh to fire past goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. However, the Qatari side responded in the 68th minute, with substitute Abdullah Al-Yazidi heading home Akram Afif’s precise in-swinging cross.

Al-Wasl came close to regaining the lead, with Fabio Lima’s header striking the crossbar in the 74th minute, but Al-Sadd held firm to ensure the tie remains evenly balanced heading into next week’s second leg in Doha.

Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, playing without Cristiano Ronaldo, were held to a goalless draw against Iran’s Esteghlal in Tehran.