Doha, Qatar: Rafa Mujica stole the spotlight with a sensational late hat-trick as Al Sadd staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Shabab Al Ahli 4-2 in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL) at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday.
Roberto Mancini’s Al Sadd found themselves two goals down after Federico Cartabia’s header in the 47th minute and Yahya Al Ghassani’s penalty in the 70th minute for the UAE side.
However, Mujica’s introduction in the 70th minute proved decisive. The forward pulled one back just five minutes after coming off the bench, finishing from an Akram Afif assist.
Tarek Salman equalised in the fifth minute of stoppage time before Mujica struck twice more in the 90+11 and 90+13 minutes - against set up by Afif - to complete a remarkable victory in front of the home supporters.
“We played a great match, and it was a very tough encounter. We were down by two goals, but the coach showed confidence in me, and I was able to score a hat-trick. We gave our best, and I am happy I could help the team. I thank the coach for trusting me,” Mujica said after the match.
Mancini said, "We were down by two goals, but we stayed focused and came back strong until the final minutes. This victory is a great opportunity for Al Sadd to restore confidence both locally and in continental competitions.”
The comeback win — their first in the continental event this season — lifted Al Sadd to five points in 10th place, keeping their slim hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Shabab Al Ahli looked sharper early on, with Yuri Cesar, Guilherme Bala and Mateusao all testing the defence as they pushed for an early breakthrough.
Al Sadd began to find space towards the latter stages of the half and came closest to scoring through Giovani. Claudinho initiated the move with a clever run down the left before picking out Paulo Otavio inside the area. Otavio’s cut-back found Giovani near the penalty spot, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Shabab Al Ahli continued to threaten as Cesar fired wide from a promising position, while Mateusao saw his shot punched away by Al Sadd goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, ensuring the deadlock remained intact at half-time.
The visitors took the lead shortly after the restart. Mersad Seifi delivered an excellent cross from the left, and Cartabia, left unmarked, calmly headed the ball into the centre of the goal.
Soon after, Barsham tipped Mateusao’s powerful effort onto the crossbar. At the other end, Claudinho went close with a promising shot that narrowly missed the right post as Al Sadd attempted to respond.
Shabab Al Ahli then doubled their advantage when Pedro Miguel was adjudged by VAR to have fouled Cartabia inside the area. Al Ghassani calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner, sending Barsham the wrong way.
Al Sadd pressed forward, with Afif seeing his shot blocked by goalkeeper Hamad Al Meqbaali. Mujica, who replaced Pau Prim, made an immediate impact, scoring just five minutes after his introduction. Afif delivered a cross, and Mujica finished with a first-time effort from the centre of the box. The duo came close to equalising soon after, but Mujica’s attempt lacked power and was comfortably saved by Al Meqbaali.
Al Sadd continued to push, with Claudinho forcing another save before Salman drew level following a corner, assisted by Roberto Firmino.
The equaliser unsettled Shabab Al Ahli, who left too much space at the back. Mujica capitalised with clinical finishing, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to complete his hat-trick and spark jubilant celebrations among the home fans.
