Al Sadd achieved their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite by defeating Esteghlal FC 2-0. The team, coached by Felix Sanchez, secured their win with an own goal from Hossein Hosseini and a spot-kick from Afif. Despite Esteghlal FC’s aggressive start, it was Al Sadd who took control of the game and sealed the victory.
The match began with Esteghlal FC making several attempts on goal, but it was Al Sadd who found their rhythm late in the first half. Rafa Mujica’s shot was deflected into the net by Hosseini, giving Al Sadd the lead. The visitors came close to equalizing before halftime, but a fantastic save by Meshaal Barsham kept Al Sadd ahead as they went into the break.
In the second half, Al Sadd continued to dominate the game, with Afif converting a penalty to double their lead. Despite Esteghlal FC’s efforts, they struggled to break through Al Sadd’s defense, with Barsham making key saves to maintain his team’s advantage. With additional time added, Al Sadd held on to secure the victory.
The win puts Al Sadd in a strong position in the race to reach the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League from the West region. They will have the opportunity to build on this success when they face off against Persepolis FC in their next match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on October 21. The team will be looking to continue their winning momentum and secure a spot in the next round of the competition.
Al Sadd’s victory was a result of their solid defensive play and clinical finishing in front of goal. Despite Esteghlal FC’s early pressure, Al Sadd remained composed and capitalized on their opportunities to secure the win. The team will be hoping to carry this form into their upcoming matches and continue their pursuit of success in the AFC Champions League. With a strong performance against Esteghlal FC, Al Sadd has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
