Al Jazira’s winless run continued as Sulhail Al Mansoori’s late strike in the Abu Dhabi-derby rescued a 2-2 draw for Al Wahda in the Arabian Gulf Cup.
It’s now six games without a win for Abel Braga’s side, who have not tasted success in 48 days since Wahda last visited Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in the Arabian Gulf League on September 18.
Youngster Al Mansoori’s 82nd minute effort moved Wahda up to third in Group B. The Pride of Abu Dhabi, who remain sixth on two points, twice led through Mirko Vucinic goals but a point was a fair result, goalkeeper Khalid Al Senani called upon several times to thwart the visitors.
Jazira boss Braga acknowledged his team have major issues to resolve.
“It was a very bad match. Every time we are in this situation, which means there is something wrong,” said the Brazilian.“We have to work and put more focus on this. We have to try and win as many games as we can and make things positive.”
Opposite number Javier Aguirre was satisfied with a fourth-straight point in the AG Cup.
“It was an equal game and any team could have won. The players fought well and I’m happy with the result,” said the Mexican.
Both teams had chances in a liv-ely opening period, visiting ‘keeper Ali Al Hosani somehow preventing the hosts from going ahead when he clawed away Jefferson Farfan’s diving header from Thiago Neves’ delicious delivery.
Wahda’s marauding right back Mohammed Al Menhali might have twice broken the deadlock, his fierce drive beaten away by Al Senani before firing a second effort wide. Brilliant play from the Clarets’ leading goalscorer Sebastian Tagliabue should have seen Wahda take the lead.
The Argentine’s insightful ball to Sultan Saif was gift-wrapped but the 22-year-old could not open the scoring as his side foot effort was turned behind by Al Senani.
Another guilt-edged chance was wasted as Brazilian midfielder Denilson ballooned a free header over, but the goal the game was crying out for came from 12 yards five minutes before the break.
Farfan raced onto Park Jong-woo’s ball forward and won the race ahead of Al Hosani, the ‘keeper clipping the Peruvian for a penalty. Al Hosani guessed correctly but Vucinic’s strike was pin-point.
In the second half Al Senani recovered brilliantly after spilling Denilson’s dipping volley to deny Tagliabue, but the visitors levelled just after the hour mark when substitute Khalid Bawazir’s lofted cross was met at the back post by Tagliabue, who powered a header high to finally beat Al Senani.
The response from the hosts was admirable, Vucinic doubling his own and Jazira’s tally minutes later.
Yaser Matar’s cross was not dealt with by Al Menhali and the Montenegrin took full advantage, using the full-back as a shield to bend the ball inside Al Hosani’s left-hand post.
The lead lasted until eight minutes from time, Tagliabue teeing up Al Mansoori who drove his shot through a pile of bodies from the edge of the box for his first ever Wahda goal.
Aguirre reserved special mention for the goalscorer, 22, and Bawazir, 20.
“These are young players and we put them in during the second half and they did well,” he said.
