AFC
Jordan’s Al Faisaly recorded their first-ever win in the AFC Champions League™, defeating Qatar’s Al Sadd 2-0 at the Amman International Stadium in Group B of the 2023/24 edition on Monday.
Al Sadd had ran riot in the reverse fixture, winning 6-0 in Doha, but the Jordanians were determined to get one back.
The first chance of the game fell to Baghdad Bounedjah who broke free inside the box to head Akram Afif’s long pass towards goal, but his attempt was saved by the Jordanian goalkeeper.
Al Faisaly’s first effort saw Obieda Al Samrieh sneak into space behind Al Sadd defence to receive Ehsan Haddad intelligent lobbed pass, but his first-time effort on the half-volley passed just wide.
At the other end, Bounedjah forced an exceptional flying save out of Noureddine Zayed after the Algerian got on the end of a fine pass from Gonzalo Plata who danced his way past multiple players before feeding Bounedjah whose powerful effort was parried away by the Al Faisaly goalkeeper.
It was the hosts who opened the scoring 11 minutes into the second half when Reziq Bani Hani found space down the right and squared for Hatem Sultan who was left unmarked at the far post to tap-in the opener.
Bani Hani could have doubled the Jordanians lead minutes later when he looked to convert Haddad’s pass from around the penalty spot but goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham was alert and made the save.
As Al Sadd chased an equaliser, they pushed forward but were punished for the spaces left behind with just five minutes left on the clock as Aref Al Haj latched onto Amin Al Shanaineh’s through pass and applied an emphatic finish from a narrow angle to seal the victory for Al Faisaly.
The win revives Al Faisaly’s slim chances of progress from the group as they take on Nasaf in Qarshi next, while Al Sadd need to get a result in Sharjah if they are to stay in contention for a Round-of-16 place.