Doha: Akram Afif delivered an exceptional performance, propelling Al Sadd SC to a 3-1 victory over Al Wasl FC, thereby securing a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 with a 4-2 aggregate win on Monday. Afif not only provided an assist but also scored a remarkable goal, energizing the Qatari team as they pursued their third Asian title.
Similar to the previous week, Al Wasl took the early lead, scoring in the 10th minute when Fabio de Lima connected with a well-placed cross from Alexis Perez, finishing with a precise strike into the bottom corner, leaving Al Sadd’s goalkeeper, Meshaal Barsham, with no chance to respond.
This early setback prompted Al Sadd to react, with captain Afif taking charge. In the 24th minute, he unleashed a long-range shot that was expertly saved by Khaled Al Senani. Afif then provided his second assist in as many matches, driving into the box from the left in the 27th minute and setting up Moustafa Mashal, who finished with composure to equalize for Al Sadd.
Building on their momentum, Al Sadd took the lead just three minutes later when Youcef Atal maneuvered into the box, and his attempted cross deflected off Jung Seung-hyun, wrong-footing Al Senani and finding the back of the net. With their confidence surging, Al Sadd extended their advantage in the 37th minute, as Afif executed a short free-kick to Claudinho, received the return pass, and curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Al Wasl believed they had reduced the deficit in the 58th minute when Joao Pedro leaped to head the ball towards the goal, but Barsham managed to deflect it away.
Shortly after the hour mark, Al Wasl made three substitutions, introducing Jonatas Santos, Takashi Uchino, and Caio Canedo. However, aside from a feeble overhead attempt by Canedo, the Emirati team displayed minimal signs of a comeback as Al Sadd secured their advancement to the quarter-finals.
