Al Taawoun, a club from Saudi Arabia take the advantage in the first match after beating Sharjah FC, a club from UAE scoring 1-0 in the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 Semi-Final, 1st leg at Wolves Park, Buraidah.
The home side wasted no time asserting their intent, taking the lead in just the 2nd minute. A failed clearance of Mohammed Al Kuwaykibi’s early cross allowed Abdelhamid Sabiri to pounce with a venomous strike that beat Adel Al Hosani in goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Al Taawoun nearly doubled their advantage just two minutes later, capitalizing on a misplaced pass from Majed Hassan, but Al Kuwaykibi’s shot whistled narrowly over the bar.
Sharjah, clearly rattled by the early pressure, had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 19th minute. Caio Lucas did well to cut the ball back across the box, but Guilherme Biro’s lunging effort flew off target. More frustration followed in the 31st minute when Luanzinho sent his header just over the bar.
The Saudis kept pushing for a second, with Musa Barrow almost curling home a sensational strike in the 36th minute, only to see the ball bend inches wide of the post.
Seeking to turn the tide, Sharjah head coach Cosmin Olaroiu introduced attacking reinforcements after the break, bringing on Ousmane Camara and Adel Taarabt, and the substitutions nearly paid off immediately. Taarabt was released brilliantly by Khaled Ebraheim but was denied by the quick reactions of Al Taawoun keeper Abdulquddus Atiah.
Drama unfolded in the 52nd minute when Camara went down in the box after a clever through ball by Taarabt. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but after a VAR review, the penalty was controversially overturned, much to the frustration of the visitors.
Al Taawoun had a chance to put one foot in the final in the 72nd minute, when a blistering counter-attack led by Barrow set up Abdulfattah Adam. The striker found himself one-on-one with the keeper but saw his powerful drive smash against the upright.
Despite a barrage of late attacks from both sides, the match ended with a slender 1-0 win for Al Taawoun, giving them a vital edge heading into the second leg.
The return fixture in Sharjah promises fireworks, with everything still to play for. Al Taawoun will carry their narrow lead with caution, while Sharjah FC will look to turn the tie around in front of their home crowd and book their place in the final.
Credit Photo : AFC
