Late Al Rayyan double ends Al Nahda’s knockout hopes

MUSCAT, NOV 5
Al Nahda’s hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League Two knockout stage ended on Wednesday after late goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Roger Guedes secured a 2-0 victory for Qatar’s Al Rayyan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
The Omani side resisted until the 78th minute before Mitrovic broke the deadlock, with substitute Guedes adding the second eight minutes later. Mohammed al Ghafri’s subsequent dismissal completed a disappointing evening for the visitors.
Al Nahda remain bottom of Group C with one point from four matches, eight behind second-placed Al Rayyan. With only six points available from their remaining two fixtures, Scott Calderwood’s side can no longer reach the qualification places.
Despite the defeat, Al Nahda delivered a more competitive performance than in their 4-1 home loss to the same opponents a week earlier. Their organisation frustrated Al Rayyan for much of the contest, while promising attacking opportunities offered hope of a positive result.
Calderwood prioritised defensive discipline and quick transitions, keeping his side compact without the ball and looking to exploit space whenever the hosts pushed forward.
However, Al Nahda could not convert their first-half opportunities, with goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada keeping them at bay. Al Rayyan enjoyed greater possession but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into a breakthrough before the interval.
Home coach Vicente Moreno introduced Guedes and Otavio in the 56th minute, followed by Gabriel Pereira and Jassem Gaber in the 68th, as the hosts sought greater attacking impetus.
The changes eventually paid off. Guedes supplied Mitrovic for the opener before scoring himself in the 86th minute to settle the contest.
SECOND YELLOW
Al Ghafri received a second yellow card a minute later, leaving Al Nahda to finish with 10 men for a second successive continental match. Al Rayyan’s Youssef Ayman was also booked during the closing stages.
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun secured their Round of 16 place with a 3-1 victory over Jordan’s Al Faisaly. Abderrazak Hamdallah scored twice as the group leaders moved to 10 points, one ahead of Al Rayyan. Al Faisaly remain third with three points.
Al Nahda have scored twice and conceded nine goals across four matches. Their only point came from an opening 1-1 draw with Al Taawoun, followed by three consecutive defeats.
They visit Al Taawoun on November 25 before hosting Al Faisaly on December 9, with the remaining fixtures offering an opportunity to secure their first victory.