Al Ahli’s historic march towards AFC Champions League glory has continued, sublime striker Lima leading the way past Naft Tehran and into the semi-finals.
The Red Knights made light work of their Iranian challengers last night, extending a club-first run into the knockout stages of the continent’s premier competition. A 2-1 second-leg triumph at Rashed Stadium thanks to the Brazilian’s 30-yard thunderbolt and Ahmed Khalil’s chipped penalty translated into a 3-1 aggregate victory.
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The daunting spectre of Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Hilal awaits in the last-four, an experienced side who dismantled Al Ain at the same stage in 2014.
But that is a problem for another time. Last night was all about the celebration of national pride, landmark progress and the incredible feats of summer signing Lima.
A record of 70 goals in 144 appearances for Benfica gained respect. The Brazilian now elicits fear in a new continent, six goals coming in his first five matches.
His powerful header in the Iranian capital which secured a 1-0 aggregate quarter-final lead showcased the fine centre-forward play expected of a €7 million (Dh28.2m) buy. The 32-year-old’s opener in the return was something special, devilish swerve from distance leaving excellent Iran No2 Alireza Beiranvand to forlornly stick out his giant arms midway through the opening period.
Star performers were all over the pitch for Ahli against opposition with inferior financial resources and who currently sit a surprise second bottom in the nascent Persian Gulf Pro League.
The bold 4-4-2 formation favoured by boss Cosmin Olaroiu saw Khalil and Lima constantly unsettle the centre-backs with their bullish traits. UAE winger Ismail Al Hammadi – the only player who could hold his head up high during their domestic disintegration in 2014/15 – was everywhere, all skill and desire.
— النـــادي الاهــــلي (@AlAhliClub) September 16, 2015
But it was the Yellow Ghosts who had the first opportunity.
Elusive Cameroonian forward Aloys Nong made a fool of right-back Abdulaziz Haikal, breezing past him and through on goal only to shoot straight at Ahmed Dida.
This was an aberration in a first half of home dominance. The breakthrough when it came was as justified as it was spectacular, Lima’s rocket inside the near post continuing his record of scoring in every match for his new club.
Al Hammadi had been the star of the first 45 minutes and he made a telling contribution within 60 seconds of the restart.
His deft ball played in Khalil for the second on the night, Beiranvand felling the on-rushing UAE front man in the box. Confidence is flowing through the veins of the 24-year-old at present, a cheeky ‘Panenka’ penalty following for his 14th goal of 2015.
Anxiety made a brief appearance from kick-off, UAE defender Walid Abbas comically miscuing his clearance to allow Iran winger Vahid Amiri to slide in a gift.
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu was in constant motion, fighting from the confines of his technical area to prevent complacency getting a hold. Some wayward headers from visiting substitute Siamak Kouroshi could then have caused panic.
An unnecessary flare up from a goal kick between Dida and Nyong was childish as the clock ticked down on Ahli’s continental salvation, Ribeiro seeing a shot headed off the line by a bedraggled Naft in the final throes.
