AFC Champions League: Al Wahda join Sharjah FC in last 16

Al Wahda earn crucial victory against FC Goa to book their place in the knockout stages, as one of the best three second placed finishers with 13 points.

Having not won their opening two games, the Red Giant’s fought back in the competition to win their last four in a row to qualify for the last 16.

The two teams were held to a 0-0 draw in the first meeting of the group stages. However, Goa came into this game already eliminated but were looking to upset the Abu Dhabi’s side’s hopes of qualifying.

Indian goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh who has been a standout player to watch in the AFC Champions League and earned his side a point in the first tie was kept busy in the early exchange of the game, first denying Tim Matavz effort from a tight angle, then keeping out Omar Khribin’s looping header.

The pressure kept mounting for the visitors, who had a wonderful chance go begging, just past the hour an hour mark. A lovely ball from Lee Myoung-Joo split the Gaurs defence open and sent Matavz clean through on goal but the Slovenian striker skied his effort over the bar.

Despite Al Wahda dominating the game, Dheeraj stood firm in goal to help his side go level at the break.

Just like the first half, Al Wahda came in to the second flying out of the blocks, as they knew a goal would instantly change everything.

Three minutes from the break the visitors missed rue opportunity. Dheeraj Singh was once again the hero, pulling off a series of spectacular saves from Khali Ibrahim and Omar Khrbin who both were through on goal.

However, despite holding the UAE side for over an hour, the Goa defence was finally beaten. Matavz delivered a low cross into a dangerous area and there was an unmarked Khrbin who slotted powerfully into the corner to open the scoring.

Tired legs started to appear for the Indian side who looked off the pace since Dheeraj Singh was forced of the field with an injury and not long soon after Mohammed Al Menhali doubled Henk tan Cat’s side’s lead to bring the Indian side’s campaign to an end and clinch the Red Giant’s tp victory.

Al Wahda joined Sharjah FC becoming the second UAE side through to the last 16 of the competition, which is due to take place in September. The furthest the King’s have got to the Asian Champions League was the 2004 quarter finals whilst the Abu Dhabi side made it to the 2007 semi-finals but are yet to go beyond that stage.