Al Ahli, Al Khaldiya play out goalless draw

DOHA: Qatar’s Al Ahli were held to a goalless draw by Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya SC as both sides failed to convert several opportunities in their opening match of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) yesterday.

Igor Biscan’s Al Ahli dominated the home game at Al Thumama Stadium, but their lack of finishing combined with several fine saves by Al Khaldiya goalkeeper Ricardo Silva kept the scores level.

Al Ahli’s own goalkeeper Marwan Badreldin was also impressive pulling off a crucial save late in the game to preserve the stalemate.

The Brigadiers gradually found their rhythm after kickoff, creating the first major threat when Abdulrahman Fahmi Moustafa unleashed a powerful strike that forced Silva into a sharp diving save.

Julian Draxler followed shortly after with his first effort of the match, but it sailed off target.

Al Khaldiya responded through Komail Al Aswad, whose shot on target was blocked, while Dominique Mendy fired wide from outside the box.

As the match opened up, Erik Exposito squandered a promising opportunity for Al Ahli, blasting high and wide after receiving a well-placed pass from Moustafa.

At the other end, Joel Beya missed a good chance created by Mendy, sending his effort over the bar. Al Aswad threatened again with a low shot that narrowly missed the right post.

Silva remained alert, making another strong save to deny Driss Fettouhi while Badreldin responded at the other end by stopping a long-range attempt from Ahmed Bughammar before the break.

After the restart, Al Ahli came out pressing for a breakthrough. Draxler again went close but headed over the bar from second-half substitute Michel Vlap cross, while Silva continued his heroics, making crucial saves from Fettouhi and Exposito’s efforts.

Badreldin made a key save from Bader Basheer’s shot in the middle of the box, while Silva tipped away a dangerous strike from Vlap to keep Al Khaldiya level as both sides settled for a point apiece in their opening match.

“The first match is always tough, especially in a new tournament, as we’re returning to an Asian competition after a long time,” said Al Ahli’s Jassem Mohammed after the match.

“We came away with a point, and that will motivate us going forward. I think the young players gave their best, but luck wasn’t on our side. God willing, we’ll collect three points in the upcoming matches.”

Al Ahli will play their next ACL Two match against Uzbekistan’s FC Andijon on October 1.