(MENAFN- The Peninsula) chinthana wasala |
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Paulo Otavio struck a late winner as Qatar's Al Sadd yesterday booked their place in the quarter-finals of the King Salman Club Cup with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Al Ahli Tripoli in Abha, Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian sensation netted the winner in the 89th minute, assisted by Abdulwahab Waad who received a perfectly executed pass from Akram Afif at the Damac Club Stadium, ensuring Al Sadd's top place finish in Group B.
The victory also ended Al Ahli Tripoli's hopes of entering the knockout stage as they joined Wydad AC in exiting the tournament.
While Al Sadd accumulated seven points from two wins and a draw, Al Hilal finished second in the group with four points from one win, a draw and a loss.
“We delivered a strong performance against a well-organized and challenging team, and ultimately, we achieved our goal of securing victory and advancing to the second round,” Waad, who played a key role in yesterday's win, said after the match.
Throughout the match, Al Sadd displayed their dominance, creating numerous opportunities but struggling to find a clinical finish before Otavio came into their rescue.
The first half was an intense back-and-forth battle, with both teams pushing hard for the breakthrough. Al Sadd's star striker, Akram Afif, was at the center of action, facing several challenges.
In the second half, Al Sadd continued to push for a goal, coming close in the 55th minute with Baghdad Bounejah's header, which was denied by Al Ahli Tripoli goalkeeper Muhammad Nashnoush.
In the 64th minute, Pedro Miguel had an opportunity to extend the lead, but he couldn't control the ball, shooting wide from Afif's well-placed pass.
As the clock ticked down, Al Sadd intensified their efforts, but Nashnoush made another impressive save in the 78th minute, deflecting Gonzalo Plata's dangerous left-footed strike.
In the added injury time, Al Ahli Tripoli launched furious attempts to equalize. However, Al Sadd's goalkeeper, Meshaal Barsham showcased his skills with a remarkable save in the 90+2 minute, making sure no surprises are made.
The victory means Al Sadd will meet the runner-up of Group A in the last-eight clash at the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha on Saturday.
“The next match will be tough, but we are taking the tournament step by step, aiming to sustain our winning streak and continue competing and progressing in the championship,” Waad said.
Al Hilal Saudi FC also qualified from the group after defeating Wydad of Morocco 2-1 in a simultaneous match at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha.