The contest was the Round of 16 AFC Champions League clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Sadd from Qatar, at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, a couple of nights ago.
Both teams, managed by legendary Italians Simone Inzaghi for Al-Hilal and Roberto Mancini for Al-Sadd, were playing fine football, and though Al-Sadd were not going to be easy opponents, Al-Hilal were the clear favourites, having not lost a single game in all competitions this season.
The match began at a brisk pace, and once the second half started after a 1-1 first half, the game picked up both in quality and speed.
Al-Hilal’s captain Al-Dawsari made it 2-1, but Al-Sadd fought back with a fine goal from Mujica. Bono, Al-Hilal’s brilliant Moroccan goalkeeper, had an average day at the office. Otherwise, the strike from Mujica would not have pierced Bono’s hands.
The Blues yet again took the lead with Leonardo striking in the 67th minute to make it 3-2, but Al-Sadd, the resilient force, squared up the match again with a vintage header from the great Firmino.
The match was progressing at breakneck speed, with Al-Sadd proving much more than worthy opponents. The game was eventually pushed into a tie-break.
With Bono on their side, Al-Hilal had the advantage, but it was not going to be Bono’s day. For once, the great Moroccan was unable to stop a single penalty which Al-Sadd took.
Karim Benzema, of all players, shot over the crossbar, and the very young Saiimon Bouabre hit the post. It was now left to Al-Sadd’s captain, Akram Afif, to settle the contest, and he made no mistake.
A cool and composed Afif held his nerve and scored to give Al-Sadd a famous win over the more fancied Al-Hilal, and helped his team reach the quarter finals of the AFC Champions League.
Both teams played their part in a riveting contest that lived up to its expectations. Just that Al-Hilal, for the first time this season, were bettered by another football team.
Hope Al-Nassr is watching.
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