Al-Sadd Secures Playoff Spot with 2-1 Win Over Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr
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Hashim Sheikh - . December 3, 2024
- . Update: December 3, 2024 1:28 pm
On Monday Al-Sadd triumphed 2-1 over Al-Nassr to secure their place in the Asian Champions League playoffs. Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the match as Al-Nassr had already qualified for the round of 16, and the star player was rested.
Al-Sadd took the lead in the 53rd minute through Akram Afif who was recently named Asian Player of the Year. Despite strong efforts from Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca, the match took a twist in the 80th minute when an own goal from Romain Saiss allowed Al-Nassr to equalize. In the ninth minute of added time Afif was fouled inside the box.
The victory moved Al-Sadd into fourth place in their group, just one point behind Al-Nassr, and secured their spot in the knockout stages. Al-Sadd coach Felix Sanchez praised his team’s hard work especially in managing possession and securing the crucial win away from home.
In other group results Al-Ahli topped their group after a 2-2 draw with Esteghlal. Ivan Toney scored twice for Al-Ahli, including a late penalty. Persepolis claimed a 2-1 victory over Al-Shorta, while Al-Wasl drew 1-1 with Al-Rayyan.
