Al-Gharafa Edges Out Al Ain in Thrilling Match
Al Khor, Qatar. Al-Gharafa secured a crucial victory against Al Ain in the second round of the AFC Champions League group stage. The match, held at the Al Bayt Stadium, was characterized by a frenetic pace and a fluctuating scoreboard.
The first goal of the game came in the 45th minute, courtesy of Joselu after an assist from Sano. Al-Gharafa’s joy was short-lived, as F. Cardoso received a yellow card in the 47th minute, and just one minute later, Joselu found the back of the net again to make it 2-0. Sano also picked up a yellow card in the 54th minute.
Al Ain responded in the 56th minute when Kaku converted a penalty to reduce the deficit. The comeback gained momentum in the 66th minute when S. Rahimi, assisted by Kaku, leveled the score.
Al Ain’s dominance was evident. However, a goal from Sano in the 73rd minute and another from Y. Brahimi in the 76th minute put Al-Gharafa back in front. In the closing minutes, both teams saw several yellow cards, but the victory belonged to Al-Gharafa.
Statistics:
Al-Gharafa: 37% possession, 12 shots (6 on target, 5 off target), 7 corners, 17 fouls, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards.
Al Ain: 63% possession, 12 shots (5 on target, 4 off target), 7 corners, 15 fouls, 3 yellow cards, 0 red cards.
The match was played on October 1, 2024, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, under the refereeing of Hiroyuki Kimura (Japan).
Substitutions al ain: at minute 61 S. Gassama came in and M. Sanabria went out., at minute 82 M. Segovia came in and A. Traore went out., at minute 82 Y. Nader came in and Park Yong-Woo went out., at minute 90 F. Salomoni came in and Erik went out.
Substitutions al-gharafa: at minute 72 A. Yousif came in and A. Gunnarsson went out., at minute 72 A. Al Ganehi came in and W. Kechrida went out., at minute 90 D. Traore came in and F. Coman went out., at minute 90 J. Hamed came in and Y. Brahimi went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Al-Gharafa
Titulares:
Al Ain
Titulares:
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