Dushanbe: Gelson Dala’s 45th minute goal made the difference as Al Wakrah defeated FC Ravshan of Tajikistan 1-0 in the second round of AFC Champions League Two (Group A) at the Central Republican Stadium in Dushanbe on Wednesday.
The result ensured that the Qatari-side returned to winning ways after their defeat at home to Tractor SC of Iran in their opener on September 18, 2024, at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Ravshan, as expected, started on a strong note with the hope of getting an early goal in order to put pressure on the Blue Wave, who were seeking their first points in the continental tournament.
Ghanian international Samuel Ofori got the first real chance for the Tajikistan side in the 3rd minute, but his right-footed shot from long range on the left went just inches off target.
The two sides kept going at each other with many opportunities missed in the thrilling encounter until just before the break when Al Wakrah’s Dala opened the scoring with a left-footed shot from the left side of the six yard box after being perfectly set up by Aissa Laïdouni, following a fast counterattack, to silence the vociferous home crowd who were out in full force to cheer on their team.
The Angolan international’s goal proved to be the only difference going into the half-time break.
Ravshan’s second half play was very similar to the first, as they went into attacking mode right from the blast of the resumption whistle, while Al Wakrah were forced to soak up the pressure as they looked to consolidate on their lead.
Ravshan’s Andrii Markovych missed a free header from the centre of the box in the 65th minute in what would have been the much sought-after equaliser after towering high to connect with a cross from Muhammadjon Rahimov, but the Ukrainian defender’s attempt, though quite close, missed to the right.
With the clock winding down, a very confident Al Wakrah side began to grow into the game, and Hamdi Fathy could have extended the visitors’ lead if his 87th minute header from the centre of the box was a bit more precise.
In the end, the miss counted for nothing as Al Wakrah returned home with the three points in their bag following Dala’s first-half heroic.
The victorious Al Wakrah will next be away against India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant on October 23, while FC Ravshan travel down to Iran to face Tractor SC on the same date.
