Al Jazira out of AFC Champions League

Matt Jones - Editor 23:15 10/04/2017
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Barely any fans turned up.

    Despite gaining a maiden point of the 2017 Asia campaign, Lekhwiya’s 2-1 triumph at home to Iran’s Esteghlal Khuzestan means progression from Group B is impossible.

    Henk ten Cate had issued a rallying call prior to kick-off, determined his players would go “all out” for victory following three straight defeats as he prioritised a first Arabian Gulf League title in six seasons – and just second ever.

    But his impassioned words and the fact the Pride of Abu Dhabi stand on the verge a well-earned championship following last week’s 3-0 victory at Dibba Al Fujairah, coupled with Al Ahli’s 1-1 draw with Al Wasl, seemed to have little impact on Jazira’s fans.

    The game was played out in front of a lifeless Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, just 322 fans disappointingly turning out for a game of such importance.

    The action on the pitch was at least a little more lively – Ali Mabkhout had the ball in the net after 13 minutes but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside.

    The hosts grew into the game after a poor start in which the visitors could have taken the lead, only for reserve goalkeeper Khalid Al Senani to bravely save at the feet of Hamad Al Hamad.

    Morocco international Mbark Boussoufa then brought a save out of Ali Al Mazidi before firing a free-kick wide.

    After Al Hamad fired into the side netting, Mabkhout went for the top corner after being teed up by exciting youngster Khalfan Mubarak before he was then denied by a superb sliding intervention by right-back Majed Hazazi.

    Mubarak, who scored a sublime free-kick in Jazira’s 3-0 win at Dibba last Wednesday, this time only found Al Mazidi’s gloves at the start of a second half devoid of any quality.

    Al Attas’ low effort deflected wide while Brazilian defender Joao Carlos headed wide at the death from a corner.

    So, there will be no continental adventure beyond the group stages this year for Jazira, at least the Abu Dhabi giants can surely look forward to bringing the AGL title back to the capital later this month.

    Recommended