Al Ahli survived an almighty scare from lower league Dubai Club to secure a nail-biting 5-3 extra-time President’s Cup quarter-final win.
By 84 minutes, the Red Knights had appeared to be on the verge of crashing out as Kesse Amangou struck a third unanswered goal in a row for the UAE Division 1 Group A side to make it 3-2.
Ahli’s blushes were saved by substitute Ahmed Khalil’s header three minutes later, midfielders Habib Fardan and Everton Ribeiro taking the game away from the tireless hosts in extra-time to set up a semi-final meeting with the victors of tonight’s Al Dhafra v Ajman clash.
This stiffer-than-expected test for last year’s beaten finalists would have been the last thing coach Cosmin Olaroiu desired, an AFC Champions League round-of-16 second leg to come on Wednesday against Al Ain with the goalless tie delicately poised.
The Romanian would have been thrilled with the start, Essa Santo’s bullet header from a corner and skipper Luis Jimenez’s rasping finish getting them off to a flyer.
Dubai Club – who missed out on promotion back to the Arabian Gulf League by one place in 2014/15 – refused to be daunted.
Abdulrahman struck from distance in first-half stoppage time, Kenya striker Dennis Oliech levelled on 57 minutes before Amangoua stunned their lofty opponents.
Khalil saved the day when he headed in Salmeen Khamis’ flick during normal time, Fardan nodding home and Brazil playmaker Everton Ribeiro playfully converting a penalty he won himself in the added 30 minutes.
Elsewhere, Al Shabab scored all five penalties to secure a thrilling shootout win against Bani Yas.
Imad Khalili was the one to miss for the Sky Blues and make it a long trip back to Abu Dhabi.
The game burst into life on 75 minutes when visiting Spanish defender Angel Dealbert chested into his own net.
Joan Verdu came to his rescue soon after, heading in when unmarked to force extra-time and penalties.
The Hawks now play Al Nasr in the last four.
