Al Nahda book West Zone semis in AFC Cup
Published: 04:11 PM,Nov 28,2023 | EDITED : 08:11 PM,Nov 28,2023
Al Nahda-Al Ahed
MUSCAT: Oman's Al Nahda booked their spot in the West Zone semifinals following their a 2-1 win over Al Ahed FC of Lebanon in Group A of the 2023/24 AFC Cup at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Monday night. The fourth triumph meant, Oman’s representative strengthened their lead in the top of the group and raised the tally to 12 points with nine points gap from Al Ahed who placed in second with three points.
The Al Buraimi-based team's goals were scored by Bilal Bin Saha (32) and Omar al Malki (34) while the 2019 champions consolation goal was scored by substitute Ali al Haj (65).
The hosts began the match with much more focus towards scoring the opening goal and register a lead in the game. Oman national team striker Omer al Malki was close to break the deadlock after a cross from Abdulaziz al Ghilani but Al Malki’s header went beyond the target in the 10th minute.
Hamed al Azani’s battalion were the best in the green field as they dominated the centre of the field through their active movements by Salah al Yahyaei and Essam al Subhi. After half an hour in the match, Bilal bin Saha registered the opening goal in the 32nd minute following Abdullah Fawaz's delightful pass to Bilal who struck home to gave the hosts a well-deserved lead. Two minutes later, Omar al Malki’s header doubled the lead for the Oman representative. The first half ended with Al Nahda leading at 2-0.
The deciding half began with coach of Al Ahed, Raafat Mohammad, making few substitutions to activate his side. Substitute Ali al Haj managed to reduce the gap after 15 minutes from the second half as he netted the first goal for Al Ahed. Later on, the goal gave more power the visitors as they pressed hard in the remaining minutes seeking for the draw at least.
The opponents were very close to register the equaliser after Darwich's attempt from a free-kick sailed just over the bar in the 71st minute. Al Nahda tightened their defence and managed to break all the scoring attempts by Al Ahed as Al Nahda players managed to end the match with a 2-1 win.
The head coach of Al Nahda, Hamed al Azani, praised the top show delivered by the players. 'The players produced an excellent show and managed to end the game with crucial three points. Congratulations to the players for moving to the West Zone semifinals. The first half was an exciting half for Al Nahda and we managed to score two goals with better technical dominance,” he said.
Responding on the team’s show in the second half, Al Zani responded that many players were exhausted and some substitutions were made.
“The players attended several matches with the club and the national team and despite that they showed a top game. All the local and continental events are essential for Al Nahda. We should focus in each event separately until achieving the desired target. I hope to see my team in further stages at the AFC Cup event and I am confident that the team could reach to these final rounds,” he ended.
The Al Buraimi-based team's goals were scored by Bilal Bin Saha (32) and Omar al Malki (34) while the 2019 champions consolation goal was scored by substitute Ali al Haj (65).
The hosts began the match with much more focus towards scoring the opening goal and register a lead in the game. Oman national team striker Omer al Malki was close to break the deadlock after a cross from Abdulaziz al Ghilani but Al Malki’s header went beyond the target in the 10th minute.
Hamed al Azani’s battalion were the best in the green field as they dominated the centre of the field through their active movements by Salah al Yahyaei and Essam al Subhi. After half an hour in the match, Bilal bin Saha registered the opening goal in the 32nd minute following Abdullah Fawaz's delightful pass to Bilal who struck home to gave the hosts a well-deserved lead. Two minutes later, Omar al Malki’s header doubled the lead for the Oman representative. The first half ended with Al Nahda leading at 2-0.
The deciding half began with coach of Al Ahed, Raafat Mohammad, making few substitutions to activate his side. Substitute Ali al Haj managed to reduce the gap after 15 minutes from the second half as he netted the first goal for Al Ahed. Later on, the goal gave more power the visitors as they pressed hard in the remaining minutes seeking for the draw at least.
The opponents were very close to register the equaliser after Darwich's attempt from a free-kick sailed just over the bar in the 71st minute. Al Nahda tightened their defence and managed to break all the scoring attempts by Al Ahed as Al Nahda players managed to end the match with a 2-1 win.
The head coach of Al Nahda, Hamed al Azani, praised the top show delivered by the players. 'The players produced an excellent show and managed to end the game with crucial three points. Congratulations to the players for moving to the West Zone semifinals. The first half was an exciting half for Al Nahda and we managed to score two goals with better technical dominance,” he said.
Responding on the team’s show in the second half, Al Zani responded that many players were exhausted and some substitutions were made.
“The players attended several matches with the club and the national team and despite that they showed a top game. All the local and continental events are essential for Al Nahda. We should focus in each event separately until achieving the desired target. I hope to see my team in further stages at the AFC Cup event and I am confident that the team could reach to these final rounds,” he ended.