Tuesday, November 28th 2023 05:44 PM
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Qatar champions Al Sadd defeated Sharjah FC, managed by Cosmin Olaroiu, 2-0 in Monday's match in the United Arab Emirates, putting themselves back in the hunt for a spot in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 knockout rounds.
In Group B, Al Sadd defeated Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates 2-0 thanks to goals from Gonzalo Plata and Baghdad Bounedjah in each half.
Al Sadd went in front in the ninth minute when Akram Afif was released down the left by Pedro Miguel's low cross-field ball, the winger cutting inside to unleash a low shot that was initially saved by Darwish Mohammed to his left, only for Plato to convert the rebound.
Nearly ten minutes later, former Juventus and Barcelona FC midfielder Miralem Pjanic bent a 30-yard free kick into the box, nearly equalizing for the hosts. The ball was sent towards Al Sadd's goal when Pedro Miguel made contact with his head, forcing Meshaal Barsham to stretch himself before pushing the ball to safety.
With six minutes remaining in the first half, Al Sadd threatened a second. Afif’s ball from deep inside his own half sent Hassan al-Haydos scampering behind the Sharjah defence, but when the Al Sadd captain attempted to centre to the awaiting Bounejhad, the home side blocked and cleared. Pjanic was left frustrated when a pair of free-kicks were well off target in the early exchanges of the second half, while Afif was also wayward with his attempt from a set-piece, but on the hour mark, the Qataris doubled their advantage.
The 2011 winners now have seven points after five games, and their next match is against FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan. In the group standings, Nasaf are currently in first place with 10 points after beating Al Faisaly 3-1. Sharjah are in second place, two points behind, and Al Sadd are in third place, one point behind. Al Faisaly have three points and have been eliminated.
To advance to the round of 16, only the top four teams from each group, plus the top three teams from West Asia based on their overall record, are guaranteed a spot.
