Doha, Qatar – Al Sadd secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Shabab Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite on Wednesday, fueled by a sensational late hat-trick from forward Rafa Mujica. The win at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium keeps Al Sadd’s hopes of advancing in the AFC Champions League alive, though their path remains challenging.
Trailing 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining, Al Sadd mounted an improbable comeback, with Mujica scoring three goals in stoppage time to seal the result. The match saw both teams demonstrate attacking intent, but ultimately it was Al Sadd’s resilience and Mujica’s clinical finishing that proved decisive.
Mujica’s Heroics Drive Al Sadd’s AFC Champions League Comeback
Shabab Al Ahli initially appeared to be in control, taking a two-goal lead through Federico Cartabia’s header shortly after halftime and a penalty converted by Yahya Al Ghassani in the 70th minute. The UAE side had created several opportunities in the first half, testing the Al Sadd defense with consistent pressure.
However, the introduction of Rafa Mujica in the 70th minute dramatically shifted the momentum. He scored his first goal just five minutes after coming on, finishing a precise assist from Akram Afif. This sparked a renewed energy in the Al Sadd attack.
Tarek Salman then equalized in the 90+5 minute, heading home from a corner kick assisted by Roberto Firmino. The late goal visibly rattled Shabab Al Ahli, leaving gaps in their defense that Mujica expertly exploited.
Late Drama at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium
Mujica’s second goal came in the 90+11 minute, again assisted by Afif, putting Al Sadd ahead for the first time in the match. He completed his hat-trick just two minutes later, in the 90+13 minute, once more capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Afif.
Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini praised his team’s determination, stating after the match that they remained focused despite being two goals down. He emphasized the importance of the victory in rebuilding confidence for both domestic and continental competitions.
Mujica himself expressed gratitude to Mancini for the opportunity and highlighted the team’s collective effort. “The coach showed confidence in me, and I was able to score a hat-trick,” he said. “We gave our best, and I am happy I could help the team.”
The victory moves Al Sadd to five points in the group stage, still facing an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds. Their performance demonstrates a growing attacking threat, particularly with the combination of Afif and Mujica, but defensive vulnerabilities were also exposed during the match. The team will need to address these issues to improve their chances in future Asian Champions League fixtures.
Shabab Al Ahli, despite their strong start, were unable to withstand the late onslaught from Al Sadd. Their defensive structure crumbled under pressure, and they failed to contain the threat posed by Mujica. The loss is a setback for their own qualification hopes.
Looking ahead, Al Sadd will need to maintain this level of performance and secure positive results in their remaining matches. Their next fixture is against another challenging opponent, and the team’s ability to consistently convert chances and defend effectively will be crucial. The possibility of advancing depends on results from other group matches and Al Sadd’s ability to capitalize on their remaining opportunities.
The AFC Champions League continues to deliver exciting matches, and Al Sadd’s dramatic win serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the competition. Fans will be watching closely to see if they can build on this momentum and achieve a place in the knockout stages.
Learn more about the AFC Champions League.
Visit Al Sadd’s official website.
Visit Shabab Al Ahli’s official website.
