Al Sadd advance to Asian last 16 despite defeat

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Thursday, May 7th 2015 08:40 AM

Riyadh: Al Sadd missed the chance to finish as Group C winners after they went down 1-2 to Al Hilal in the last match of the AFC Champions League in Riyadh. The home side emerged on top. The Saudi Arabians thus exacted revenge on Sadd, having lost 0-1 in Doha. It was a deserving win for Hilal, who dominated the proceedings and attacked right from the start. Yousef Al Salem put Hilal ahead in the 28th minute when he slotted the ball home from inside the box after Mohammed Kassola failed to clear a cross from Salman Al Faraj. Hassan Al Haidous drew parity by converting from the spot after Ahmed Sharahili conceded a penalty for bringing down Brazilian forward Grafite inside the area. Hilal attacked relentlessly and their efforts paid off in 69th minute when Al Kaabi found the back of the net following another Kassola mistake.