Al Ahli losses their first Asian Championship appearance

Al Ahli V Lekhwiya.

AFC
Group C
15:30 GMT, March 7, 2012
Al-Gharafa Stadium

Lekhwiya, the current Qatari champions, won a hard fought game against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, with a wonder strike in the 66^th minute from their Korean midfielder, Tae Nee. Up to this point the game seemed to be destined for a 0-0 draw, with both the midfields continually jostling for possession in a fractious and physically demanding midfield lottery. Although many attacking opportunities stemmed from the midfield, they were more a product of hurried distribution and poor first touch, than well executed, organised play.

On balance however Lekhweya had the better of the midfield possession and their wing-backs were able to press forward and command both flanks. Despite this clear advantage, resolute defending from Al Ahli, especially in the form of the sturdy Saudi International, Kamil El Musa, prevented Lekhwiya from capitalising on their mid field superiority with some fine interceptions.

 Both goalkeepers also played their part in keeping the score to 0-0 with a string of spectacular saves. Although it was Al Ahli’s keeper Yasser  Al Mosailem who stole the show with a spectacular one handed penalty save in the 14^th minute from the Burkina Faso striker Moumouni Dagano.

Another amazing example of Yasser’s resolute and at times heroic goal keeping, prevented the Ivorian, Bakari Kone from putting the Qatari champions into the lead, when the powerful Ivorian found himself one on one with the Al Ahli keeper. The Ivoirian’s efforts however came to nothing, with his shot trickling just wide of the post.

Despite Lekhwiya’s superior physical strength and strong running, Al Ahli stubbornly refused to concede, despite being constantly over run in midfield.

Indeed the Jeddah club could have taken a first half lead when the dazzling Brazilian Victor Semos struck the upright with an impressive turn and volley, after a clever one-two with the overworked and under supplied Omani international, Amad el Hosni

After a frantic and relentless forty five minutes of play, the first half came to a close, with both keepers stealing the show.

The second half continued much as the first half had done, with both goalies keeping the score at 0-0 with a string of outstanding saves, such as Yasser’s spectacular and unorthodox stop from Lecyvia’s Kone , after a square ball from the Ivorian Dagano caught the Al Ahli defence off balance.

 In the Lekhviya goal, Baba Malick saved drive brilliantly in the 66^th minute after Al Alhi’s Brazilian striker, Victor Semos, struck a fierce shot. Shortly after, the Lecvia keeper was in the thick of the action again, this time saving with his legs from the on rushing Imad al Hosni.

No goalkeeper however, not even Al Ahli’s imperious Yasser el Mosailem, could prevent Nam Tae-hee’s 76^th minute wonder goal. Even the best keepers in the world would have struggled to stop the Korean’s sublime strike.

A draw would have probably been a just result. As we know, football is fickle and justice is not always seen to be done. All the same, Al Ahli can take a lot of pride in their heroic effort against a more athletic and physically powerful Lekhwiya. Hopefully in the next champions league game against the Iranian champions, Sepahan Isfahan, Al Ahli can make home advantage count and emerge with three badly needed points.

Man of the match: Yasser Al Mosailem

Ya la Al Ahli !Yala!

By Victor.S