Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Gharafa made a strong comeback in the second round of 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Elite (West Zone) with a thrilling 4-2 win over Al Ain of the UAE at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday.
A brace from Joselu (45+2 & 48th minute) and a goal each from Seydou Sano (72nd minute) and Yacine Brahimi (76th minute) propelled the hosts while for Al Ain Alejandro Romero (56th minute - penalty) and Soufiane Rahimi (66th minute) scored for the UAE side.
It was a spirited comeback into the tournament for Al Gharafa, who had lost their opener to Iran’s Esteghlal 0-3 in Tehran.
Al Gharafa started brightly, forcing a series of corner kicks albeit without causing Al Ain too much trouble before a Florinel Coman shot required goalkeeper Khalid Eisa to swing into action after six minutes of play.
Both teams kept jostling with exchanges till soon in the added time of the opening half Joselu hit the first salvo. It was realized off a corner kick which was first headed by defender Mateo Sanabrio bit the ball fell to 19 defence header Gharafa 42-9 into goal Sano who flicked it in but the ball got the back of Joselu before going in (1-0).
Al Gharafa doubled their lead within minutes and this time with when teenage defender Sano holding off Park Yong-woo on the right flank before firing in a cross that was headed in by Joselu (2-0).
Early in the second half, Al Ain got an opportunity as the referee called on a Sano foul on Soufiane Rahimi in a goal-mouth action. A VAR check resulted in the spot kick being given and Kaku chipped in to score for Al Ain (2-1)
Ten minutes later, Kaku provided Rahimi with a pass and the latter who sidestepped Sano before blasting a low shot past goalkeeper Sergio Rico (2-2).
The Cheetahs however put up a charging show as they hit back six minutes later from a free-kick which set up Coman for the cross with Sano arriving at the far post to sweep home for Al Gharafa to regain the lead (3-2).
The hosts then added the fourth goal with Coman this time providing the assist in the 76th minute, this time Brahimi sliding it in. The action coming after a superb fast counter break.
Al Gharafa will next meet play UAE side - Al Wasl Club on October 21 at the same venue while Al Ain we take on Al Hilal SFC of Saudi, a day earlier.
