DOHA: A penalty from Nilmar and a late strike from substitute Rami Fayez gave Qatar’s El Jaish a comfortable 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia champions Al Fateh in their AFC Champions League Group B match yesterday.
In a match dominated by the home side, who remain undefeated in this year’s competition, their goalless and winless visitors struggled to find an opening and the task was made harder on 58 minutes when Nilmar converted a penalty for the Qatari club.
Despite the superiority of El Jaish, it was not until a minute before time that all three points were secured with a goal from second half substitute Fayez.
The win puts Nabil Maaloul’s side back on top of Group B ahead of Foolad Khouzestan, who defeated Bunyodkor 1-0 in the day’s earlier game, by virtue of a superior goal difference and with an excellent chance of at least matching last year’s Round of 16 appearance.
Al Fateh coach Fathi Al Jebali had spoken of this fixture being a must-win, but right from the off it was El Jaish who were in control as Nilmar twice went close with headers in the opening exchanges.
In another match, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal made the most of home support and scoring form to crush Qatar’s Al Sadd 5-0 in a Group D encounter in Riyadh.
Today, Qatar’s Al Rayyan hosts Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia. Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Lekhwiya are away to Al Ittehad of Saudi Arabia in another game to be played today. AGENCIES
