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Al-Gharafa edges past Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in a thrilling encounter
Al Khor, August 13, 2024 – Al-Gharafa secured a narrow victory over Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in a vibrant encounter of the AFC Champions League Second Preliminary Round. The only goal of the match came in the 50th minute, scored by F. Sassi.
The match started at a frantic pace, with both teams showcasing an attacking mindset. In the 6th minute, Joselu had a great opportunity for Al-Gharafa, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai responded by controlling the ball more, but they couldn’t translate their dominance into clear chances.
The yellow cards started to appear in the second half. S. Sano (Al-Gharafa) received a yellow card in the 20th minute, followed by Kauan Santos and Yuri, both from Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, in the 36th and 39th minutes, respectively.
The game-defining goal arrived in the 50th minute when F. Sassi capitalized on a defensive error to score for Al-Gharafa. After the goal, Al-Gharafa retreated to defend their lead, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai tried unsuccessfully to find an equalizer.
The game became more fragmented and was punctuated by fouls and yellow cards. Al-Gharafa ended with four yellow cards, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai received two.
Despite the loss, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai dominated possession (70%), but they were unable to create enough danger in the opponent’s box. Al-Gharafa, on the other hand, made the most of their chances and deservedly secured a victory.
Statistics:
* Al-Gharafa: 30% possession, 9 shots (5 on target, 4 off target), 3 corners, 13 fouls, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards.
* Shabab Al Ahli Dubai: 70% possession, 10 shots (4 on target, 6 off target), 6 corners, 12 fouls, 2 yellow cards, 0 red cards.
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Substitutions shabab al ahli dubai: at minute 57 G. Alvarez came in and Yuri went out., at minute 58 S. Azmoun came in and M. Dabbur went out., at minute 58 Guilherme came in and Breno Lemos went out., at minute 82 H. Suhail came in and Rikelme went out., at minute 83 Mateusao came in and F. Cartabia went out.
Substitutions al-gharafa: at minute 80 H. Ismaeil came in and F. Diaz went out., at minute 90 R. Boussafi came in and F. Coman went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Al-Gharafa
Titulares:
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai
Titulares:
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