DOHA (Qatar): Sharjah FC defeated Al Duhail SC 4-2 in a six-goal thriller of 2020 AFC Champions League Group C on Friday at Education City Stadium.
Sharjah came into the match in a desperate need for a win to keep them in the race for a place in the next round, while for Al Duhail, a win could mean going top if Al Taawoun fail to defeat Persepolis in the second Friday fixture.
Al Duhail needed just 12 minutes to open the scoring after Almoez Ali outmuscled his marker, controlling a long ball and setting up Abdullah Al Ahrak who cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful drive from all of 25 yards that nestled into the roof of Adel Al Hosani’s net.
Five minutes later, Khalid Bawazir equalised for Sharjah on his first start for the club. The midfielder received a pass on the edge of the opposition penalty box and rifled a thunderous effort that flew straight through the hands of goalkeeper Khalifa Aboubacar as he attempted to catch it, bringing the scores level.
Before the midway point of the opening half, Al Duhail nearly restored their lead when Almoez Ali was set up at the penalty spot by a cross from Dudu, but the Qatari International watched Al Hosani produce a top drawer save to deny him.
Dud had a golden chance to score in the 33rd minute after being sent through on goal by an Ali Afif defence-splitting pass, but the Brazilian could not apply the finish past Al Hosani who did well to catch the effort. (Source: AFC)
