Honours even as Al Jazira and Al Dhafra play out thrilling draw
abu dhabi — Capital clubs Al Jazira and Al Dhafra played an intense 2-2 draw in the fourthround match of the Arabian Gulf League at Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium on Friday.
It was a cracking start to the contest with home team’s attack coming in the fourth minute. It was, however, the defending champions who scored first. In the fifth minute, Khalfan Mubarak netted from a deft placement coming from a measured pass into the box from Brazilian striker Romarinho. And just six minutes later, the provider turned scorer. It was a chic back-heel pass from Ali Mabkhout and Romarinho fired one into the right end of the post past keeper Zaid Al Hammadi.
Despite being down two goals Al Dhafra responded well. In the 17th minute, Al Dhafra should have scored through a corner but Abdurahman Yousef failed to establish a contact at the far post.
Minutes later, however, the home side pulled one back through a corner by Ahmed Ali. Brazilian striker Ailton Almeida leapt over defenders to head one past keeper Ali Khasif.
Al Dhafra came close to scoring through Mohannad Karrar but the Iraqi striker was well-checked by Al Jazira keeper.
However, in the closing stages of the first half, Al Dhafra levelled through a stunner from Sultan Al Sowaidi. The defender fired a long-ranger that caressed the inside of the right post into the goal. It was 2-2 at the end of a breathtaking first half with the momentum slowly shifting towards Al Dhafra.
The second half saw a similar trend with both teams raining attacks but there was a vastly improved performance from defenders and goalkeepers of both teams. For Al Jazira, Mbark Boussoufa, back in the line-up, and introduction of Sardor Rashidov as a substitute added bite to attack. Al Dhafra keeper Al Hammadi was sensational in the half and made top saves.
Once Al Jazira’s Mohamed Fawzi had an open opportunity but failed to find target. Almeida had a late chance to net a winner for Al Dhafra but he too could not finish the job. And once the home team did find the back of net, it was given an off side.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com