Al Jazira Stalls Al Wahda's Bid for Asian Qualification in Abu Dhabi Derby
The 2-2 draw sees Al Wahda's second-place position in the Pro League threatened ahead of the final matchday.
In a closely contested Abu Dhabi derby on Monday, Al Wahda and Al Jazira played to a 2-2 draw at Al Nahyan Stadium as part of the 25th round of the ADNOC Pro League.
With this result, Al Wahda temporarily holds second place in the league with 45 points, equal with Sharjah, but faces potential risk of dropping to third or lower based on outcomes from other matches in the final round.
This scenario could impact their chance to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season.
Al Jazira opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Nassim Shahdli, whose powerful shot from outside the box found the net.
Al Wahda's Omar Khrebin missed a clear scoring opportunity in the 37th minute, dribbling past goalkeeper Ali Khaseef but hitting a defender instead of the open goal.
The home team equalized shortly thereafter, with Iranian striker Mohammad Rasoul Korbani finding the net in the 39th minute.
The second half maintained its intensity as Al Jazira regained the lead in the 54th minute when Argentine Ramón Miérez scored with a header.
Al Wahda continued to apply pressure, with Facundo missing a pivotal one-on-one chance against Al Jazira's goal in the 65th minute.
In a decisive moment, Al Wahda’s Khrebin converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to secure the draw, thus keeping their hopes for the upcoming Asian competition uncertain as they look towards the final matchday.
With this result, Al Wahda temporarily holds second place in the league with 45 points, equal with Sharjah, but faces potential risk of dropping to third or lower based on outcomes from other matches in the final round.
This scenario could impact their chance to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season.
Al Jazira opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Nassim Shahdli, whose powerful shot from outside the box found the net.
Al Wahda's Omar Khrebin missed a clear scoring opportunity in the 37th minute, dribbling past goalkeeper Ali Khaseef but hitting a defender instead of the open goal.
The home team equalized shortly thereafter, with Iranian striker Mohammad Rasoul Korbani finding the net in the 39th minute.
The second half maintained its intensity as Al Jazira regained the lead in the 54th minute when Argentine Ramón Miérez scored with a header.
Al Wahda continued to apply pressure, with Facundo missing a pivotal one-on-one chance against Al Jazira's goal in the 65th minute.
In a decisive moment, Al Wahda’s Khrebin converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to secure the draw, thus keeping their hopes for the upcoming Asian competition uncertain as they look towards the final matchday.
