Pitso Mosimane’s Esteghlal FC hold star-studded Al Ahli Saudi
Pitso Mosimane’s Esteghlal FC put up a performance full of resilience to hold the star-studded Al Ahli in an AFC Champions League match on Monday night.
The match was played at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia. Al Ahli came into this match, sitting on pole position in the group, with 15 points after five matches.
Mosimane and his men had a paltry four points after five matches. And Mosimane was hoping to upset Al Ahli Saudi, who were his employers between September 2022 and June 2023.
In fact, it was Mosimane who inspired them back into the Saudi Pro League after spending some time in the lower ranks.
Prior to this clash, Esteghlal FC dropped points after a 0-0 draw with Pakhtakor FC. That AFC Champions League match was played in the United Arab Emirates last week.
HOW PITSO MOSIMANE’S MEN FARED AGAINST AL AHLI SAUDI
As such, they came into this one hoping for maximum points. Undoubtedly, they were brimming with confidence that they can shock the star-studded Al Ahli Saudi.
Crucially, they grabbed the lead after 42 minutes via Raphael da Silva Arruda. For a moment, it looked like they were in full control of proceedings until Al Ahli Saudi won a penalty in the 45th minute.
England forward Ivan Toney made no mistake from the spot-kick, drawing the Saudi Arabia side level. And they went to the break on level terms.
However, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach and his men refused to be cowed into submission, as they came from the break with more impetus.
Mohammad Hossein Eslami doubled their score in the 51st minute, thrusting them back into the lead. But Eslami received a red card in the 81st minute for a foul on Saad Yaslam, forcing Esteghlal to survive a frantic finish.
Al Ahli Saudi were again awarded a second penalty after 86 minutes, and Toney scored. The hosts could have won the match after Feras Albrikan scored, but his goal was ruled out.
Esteghlal FC are now eighth in the East with five points, while Al Ahli Saudi are first with 16 points. Eight teams from the group will qualify for the round of 16.
The Saudi Pro league giants, boost of big names players that include former Manchester City FC forward Riyad Mahrez.
In addition, Roberto Firmino is the captain of the team, with Toney, Franck Kessie and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy completing the list.
At this point, the AFC Champions League is headed to the round of 16. With only two groups in this tournament, eight teams will qualify respectively.
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