Al Ain Downs CAF Champions and Pass into Club World Cup Semis
Al Ain cruise past Esperance de Tunisia, the CAF Champions, 3-0 on Saturday in the quarterfinal stage of the Club World Cup. Al Ain took the lead just two minutes after the opening whistle on a goal by Mohamed Ahmed, who headed home a pass from Rayan Yaslam on a corner-kick play. They then doubled their lead 15 minutes later on a counter-attack when another pass by Yaslam was sent into the back of the net by Hussein el-Shahat. Esperance tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but they left openings in their defense that Al-Ain capitalized on to score a third and final goal. On that play at the one-hour mark, Bandar al-Ahbabi finished off an offensive foray orchestrated by Brazilian midfielder Caio. Al-Ain will next square off on Tuesday 18th December in the semi-finals against Buenos Aires club River Plate, winner of South America’s premier club championship, the Copa Libertadores.
First Half
The Fastest Goal in the Club World Cup Ever
Al Ain had a quick and strong start who launched an attack in the first minute to win a corner kick. Mohammed Ahmad was in the right spot to send a great back header to pass players and goalkeeper and into the net at 1:19 minute of the match to be the fasted scored goal in the history of the tournament. Al Ain fans standings roared for this goal specially they were in the perimeter of the stadium at an early time to support their team and UAE representative. A strong start came from Al Ain who, after the first minute, attacked Esperance and won a corner. The morale of Al Ain players went high and dominated the game and their intentions were clear to boos their lead by a second goal.
El Shahat Visits Esperance’ Net
While Esperance was struggling to level up and back to the match, the Egyptian player surprised them with a quick counterattack that took the stars of the front line, Caio, Bander and El Shahat, three touches to be in the box and to dribble and deceive the opponent four defenders skillfully while sending a deft measured shoot the far corner of net “16”.
Tunisian Rise and Ainawi Solidity
The Tunisian Esperance players launched numerous attacks but in vain, while Al Ain back to their area to maintain the results taking advantage of counter attacks. There were dangerous moments given the supersonic speed of both Caio and El Shahat on right and left wings.
The Boss’ Superiority and Skill
Al Ain’s high skills, speed in passing, exerting pressure on the ball holder, perfect positioning, a high concentration made all Esperance’s attempts to reach Khaled Eisa net useless. Al Ain back line were stars in clearing their area and Khaled Eisa saved his net when he controlled Al Blaili’s header.
Second half
The match scenario did not change much as it was in the first half, and the Boss players went on launching attacks and dominating the maneuvers area in the midfield while relying on the wingers’ high speed where Caio and El Shahat were always there.
Caio Assists and Bandar Shakes the Net
Brazilian Caio Lucas wasted a great chance to score when he found himself face to face with the ES Tunis goalkeeper but sent it away of the goal frame “57”. Then again, Caio with a great skill doubled the sorrows of the opponent when he skillfully sent a great cross to Bander who sent it directly to the net to be 3-0 “60”.
Tunisian Confusion and Tension and Al Ain Shines
Al Ain’s third goal had a negative impact on the Tunisian players who looked tensed and stressed. It was apparent due to wrong passes giving the Boss to control the match with high confidence and morale. Al Ain midfielders dominated the center sending their passes skillfully to the front line smoothly under the command of the star center back, Ismael Ahmad.
Substitutions
Al Ain head coach Zoran Mamic replaced Rayan Yaslam by Amer Abdul Rahman “67P to enhance the back line in the light of increased offensive attacks launched by Esperance front line. The head coach of ES Tunis also was obliged to replace Khalil Shamam by Ali Mashani due to injury.
Missed Opportunity
Bender Al Ahbabi came close to scoring his second goal and the fourth for his team with a superb pass from brilliant Brazilian Caio Lucas. He was alone in the box, but he hesitated to shoot to find the defenders there and sent the ball out the box “73”. Esperance players start to feel they lost the match under the wonderful tactical discipline of Al Ain’s players, exerting pressure on the opponent’s players when they possess the ball and leaving no space for them to maneuver.
Marcus Berg
Ten minutes before the end of the game, Zoran took his decision to make his second change by giving the Swedish striker Marcus Berge the chance to play instead on Bander Al Ahbabi. Al Ain defenders bravely sent off the ball from within the box to be a corner kick. Al Ain responded by another counter attack but Caio sent a powerful shot but hit the Tunisian defender to be a corner kick. Zoran Mamic replaced Hamed Doumbia in the 85th minute y giving the chance for Yahiya Nader to play the last minutes of the match. Al Ain kept their lead to win the match by three clean goals and to qualify to the semi-finals to meet the champs of the Copa Libertadores.
Al Ain Starting Lineup
Al Ain squad consisted of Khaled Eisa, Ismail Ahmed, Shiotani, Mohamed Ahmed, Mohamed Fayez, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Hamed Doumbia, Ahmed Barman, Caio, Ryan Yaslam
