Sabah FA, a club from Malaysia close with earned one point after tying with Abu Dhabi Country Club scoring 2-2 in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25 Group Stage, Group A at Hankou Cultural Sports Centre, Wuhan.
Sabah opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Saki Ueno delivered a precise cross from the left, which was powerfully headed in by Eri Narita. Although Abu Dhabi’s goalkeeper Jeane Bueno got a hand to the ball, Narita’s header was too strong to stop.
Sabah nearly conceded shortly after due to a defensive error by Siti Nurfaizah, who mistimed her clearance, allowing Lara Ivanusa a chance at goal. However, the Slovenian forward’s shot sailed over the bar. Ivanusa continued to trouble the Sabah defense, and her pace led to a critical moment in the 23rd minute when she was brought down outside the box by Sabah’s goalkeeper Nurul Azurin Mazlan, resulting in a red card.
Abu Dhabi capitalized on the numerical advantage, equalizing through Rashida Ibrahim‘s stunning free-kick in the 30th minute, which left substitute goalkeeper Asma Junaidi with no chance. Just before halftime, Eugenia Tetteh extended Abu Dhabi’s lead with a brilliant solo effort, slotting the ball home after evading Asma’s challenge, sending her side into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
Despite playing with 10 players, Sabah pressed forward in the second half. They came close to equalizing when Ueno’s shot flashed across the face of Abu Dhabi’s goal in the 56th minute. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Ueno’s corner kick found Intan Sarah, who fired her shot into the bottom corner to level the score.
With this result, Sabah FA exited the competition with one point, while Abu Dhabi Country Club, having already secured a place in the knockout stage, finished the group with five points.
Sabah’s performance, especially with a player down, showcased their determination, while Abu Dhabi managed to hold on for the draw as they shifted focus to the next round of the tournament.
Credit Photo : AFC
