RESULT: Al Ahli 2 (Rashid 7′, Jassam 77′) Al Nasr 2 (Lima pen 23′ Malallah 55′)
Al Nasr picked up the first point of their AFC Champions League campaign in their final game, drawing 2-2 with Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
Before the game, Nasr had been the only team in the competition without a point but the boys from Dubai finished their disappointing campaign on something of a high.
Nasr’s AFC Champions League troubles looked like they would continue just seven minutes into the game when they conceded a penalty after a handball that on closer inspection looked to have been committed outside of the box.
Waleed Bakshwin, though, was not about to pass up the opportunity and duly slotted his spot-kick past Abdulla Mohammad Ibrahim, who had stepped in for the ill Ahmed Shambieh.
Just 16 minutes later, however, Nasr were on level terms with a contentious penalty of their own. As Bruno Cesar wound up to shoot, the Brazilian went down under the softest of challenges, somehow provoking the referee to give a second penalty.
The ever-confident Leo Lima calmly played chicken with the goalkeeper before putting it low to his left, past the ‘keeper’s outstretched arm.
The two sides went into the half at one goal apiece but nine minutes after the break Nasr were ahead when Rashid Malallah rose to head in Humaid Ahmed’s cross.
Tairssir al Jassim, however, would prevent Nasr from picking up maximum points when his low shot from 30 yards bounced over Ibrahim in the 77th minute.
TALKING PPOINTS
Not a wasted effort
It has been a wretched competition for Nasr but at least they have something to show for their efforts. The high point might not have come in this game, rather their performance with an all Emirati side against Sepahan last week. A fruitless campaign it may have been, but the youngsters at Nasr will have learnt a thing or two.
Zenga can concentrate now
Like Marcos Paqueta of Shabab, Walter Zenga has been complaining constantly of fixture congestion. Now the tournament is over for them, it will be interesting to see whether there is an uptick in their performances or what excuses Zenga makes should they under-perform.
Missing Morimoto
The Japanese striker has begun to find his feet at the club. Missing through injury, Nasr missed the striker’s link up play as well as his ability to lead the line alongside Bruno Cesar.
MAN OF THE MATCH – Bruno Cesar (Al Nasr)
The Brazilian missed a number of chances during the game but at least he was in a position to score. Led the line gallantly for the visitors.
KEY CONCLUSION
The end of a campaign that really ended several weeks ago. Al Nasr can get back on with the business of qualifying for next year’s competition.
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