Shabab Al Ahli salvage draw with late goal
abu dhabi — A late penalty strike helped Shabab Al Ahli eke out a 3-3 draw against Sharjah in the secondround Group B match of the Arabian Gulf Cup at Rashid Stadium on Saturday night.
An attacking intent from both the teams made it an absorbing affair. However, Sharjah were forced onto back foot as keeper Ahmed Mahmoud ‘Dida’ was sent off. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s Dawood Ali struck a long pass forward for striker Henrique Luvannor. Keeper Dida ran and leapt to handle the ball but he was way outside the penalty area. It was a thoughtless effort from an experienced hand and one which had Sharjah on back foot in just 18th minute of the match. Dida, himself, stood apologetic for a while before leaving the field.
Coach Jose Peseiro then replaced midfielder Omar Juma with substitute keeper Rashed Ahmed.
Luvannor welcomed the new keeper with a testing free-kick that whizzed past the crossbar. Ahmed survived the trial but minutes later the hosts were successful.
Midfielder Vander Vieira outran Sharjah defenders but keeper Ahmed parried away the attempt only for Luvannor to slot it home for the first goal of the match and his Cup season.
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai had a goal and a man advantage. And the visitors pushed earnestly in search of more goals. Chances came through and some were close ones but Ahmed saw them off. However, the pressure paid off as Mohammed Marzooq scored through a whistling header from Habib Al Fardan’s corner to double the advantage.
However, Sharjah pulled one back in additional time of the half. It was a soft goal as ball got deflected into the Shabab Al Ahli box, where Khalid Al Zari placed the ball past keeper Hassan Hamza.
The goal put the match in balance and the second half saw Sharjah desperately looking for an equaliser. And just five minutes into the half, Zari levelled. It was a one-two with Brazilian striker Welliton Soares, who drew defenders’ attention to set it up for Zari to make it 2-2.
In the 62nd minute, Sharjah went ahead through a splendid goal from Soares. It was a clinical strike following a clumsy clearance from Shabab Al Ahli’s Walid Abbas.
It was now increasingly looking the King’s night as Makhete Diop and Luvannor failed to find target from many chances.
However, the home team got a reprieve as referee awarded a penalty for defender Eisa Ahmed’s challenge on Luvannor. And Diop converted as the keeper dived the wrong way.
There were anxious moments in five minutes of added time but Shabab Al Ahli escaped with a draw.
Shabab Al Ahli are now at fourth place with two points and Sharjah last with a solitary point.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com