Back Home from Tehran with a Precious Point.. Al Ain Fought Back to Earn a Late 1-1 Draw Against Esteghlal Tehran
Shiotani’s late goal “10” secured a point for Al Ain as they drew 1-1 with Esteghlal Tehran who took the lead at “53” though Bagheri in round 2 match of Group C of ACL 2019 held at Azadi Stadium. By this result, Al Ain and Esteghlal Tehran earned their first point holding the third spot.
The game got off to a slow and cautious start as both teams closed the back area and maneuvers were limited to the midfield. At “24th” minute, Khalid Eisa saved his net from a powerful shot sent by Esteghlal player. It did not take Al Ain much time to respond as the crowd at Azadi Stadium breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Jamal Marouf’s drilled shot bouncing off the upright in the 27th minute. Rayan Yaslam tried his luck on the half-volley from outside the box, but Mehdi Rahmati easily saved turning it into a corner kick “35”. Al Ain then dominated the match and exerted high pressure on the home team but in no vain and the match referee whistled to announce the end of the first half with a goalless drew.
Al Ain started the second half on the front foot, and again the woodwork played its part in keeping the game goalless. Just two minutes after the restart, Mohammed Khalfan advanced deep into the penalty box before hitting the crossbar with a left-footed effort “46”. At “52” Khaled Eisa made an athletic save at the near post to tip the ball behind for the corner. The 53rd minute set-piece would finally break the deadlock. Patosi’s out-swinging cross was nodded home by Bagheri to the joy of the home fans as Esteghlal took the lead.
Juan Carols replaced Mohammed Khalfan by Marcus Berg at “73” and at “83” saved his net from a powerful shot. In the 87th minute Yaslam’s cross from a free-kick was not dealt with properly by the Iranian defense and Shiotani pounced on the loose ball to fire home with his left foot from inside the box. Khaled Abdul Rahman replaced Rayan Yaslam at “87” and both teams tried to take the lead in the dying minutes of the match, but the match referee whistled to finish the match while the stadium board showing the result as 1-1 draw.
Al Ain Starting Lineup
Khaled Issa, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Mohammed Fayez, Mohannad Salem, Shiotani, Tongo Hamed, Amer Abdul Rahman, Ahmed Barman, Mohammed Khalfan, Ryan Yaslam, Jamal Marouf.
Substitutions: Marcus Berg replaced Mohammed Khalfan “73”, Khalid Abdul Rahman replaced Rayan Yaslam “87”.
Yellow Cards: None.
Red Cards: None.
