Ahmed Alaadin celebrates after scoring Al Gharafa's second goal against Ahal FC.
Jeddah: Al Gharafa sealed a crucial 2-0 victory over Ahal FC in Group C of their AFC Champions League 2022.
There was a sense of urgency on Sunday from both teams who were fully aware that three points would put them at the summit of the group after Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Foolad Khouzestan drew in the earlier match.
Cheick Diabate headed his first goal of the AFC Champions League 2022 after an hour of play while Alaadin sealed the points three minutes from time.
Ahal FC started the match brightly when Meylis Diniyev fired over the bar from inside the penalty box after connecting with Gurbanguly Ashirov’s cross in the 11th minute.
The next opportunity fell to the Qatari side, Sofiane Hanni guiding his cross onto the path of Moayed Hassan who miskicked his first attempt and saw his second shot blocked.
Homam Ahmed fired a low strike beyond Charyyev Rasul at the half-hour mark but Al Gharafa’s celebration was short-lived as he was flagged offside.
The Turkmenistan side continued to pile on the pressure in the final 45 minutes as Elman Tagayev and Ata Geldiyew had their chances that were equally matched by Al Gharafa’s custodian Yousef.
After soaking the pressure, Al Gharafa produced a moment of brilliance as Diabate opened his account in the showpiece. Homam Ahmed provided a pinpoint cross from the left that found the Malian, whose header ricocheted into the back of the net.
Ahal FC looked for a response in the closing 20 minutes. Bashimov Abdy released Mirza Beknazarov with a brilliant through pass but Yousef again denied the Central Asian side.
As Al Gharafa sat back to defend, they looked dangerous on the counter with Ahmed Alaadin sneaking behind the defence to force two fine saves from Charyyev five minutes from time.
Few minutes later, Alaadin doubled Al Gharafa’s lead with a right footed shot that found the bottom left corner as Andrea Stramaccioni’s charges sealed their first victory of the campaign.
After Sunday's win, coach Andrea Stramaccioni urged his players to maintain the same urgency and energy in the upcoming matches.
“The players deserved this because they worked hard but they must stay ground and maintain the same mentality. Today we showed we are a very good group with the right spirit that is required for this competition.
“We must be ready to fight for every ball in the next matches. There are many more games to be played so we need to continue our preparation and stay focused,” said the Italian.
