DUBAI // The most unlikely of outcomes found source in the most implausible of places.
For much of last night’s must-win Asian Champions League encounter with Tractor Sazi, Ahmed Khalil represented the scapegoat for Al Ahli’s ills, much like he has for the majority of the season.
At times cumbersome and careless, the UAE striker has often carried the captain’s armband in the absence of Grafite, the hugely prolific marksman now departed for Qatar, but he has seldom lifted the flagging club to the finish line.
Against Tractor, though, Khalil transformed from villain to hero. Almost from nothing, he scored twice towards the end of a pulsating encounter to turn around the tie and seal an improbable victory.
With it, Ahli emerged from the final match in Group D in second spot. A first appearance in the competition’s knockout stages, made possible by the win at the Rashid Stadium and assisted by Nasaf’s stalemate against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, was theirs. Who would have thought it, eh?
“After recent performances I sat Ahmed down and told him and showed him some things that I hoped would help motivate him, to give him more confidence,” said Cosmin Olaroiu, the Ahli coach. “I had to trust him today. I told my staff in a meeting that today would be the day of Ahmed Khalil.”
So it proved, although Khalil was admirably assisted by the determination of his teammates. Ahli had twice come from behind, initially when Everton Ribeiro’s second-half tap-in cancelled out Mehrdad Bayrami’s opener. Then on 78 minutes, after Saman Narimanjahan had restored Tractor’s lead, Khalil rose highest to head home Ribeiro’s floated cross.
The Ahli skipper would soon rock the crossbar with a thunderous header, although he was not to be denied a fairy-tale finish. With two minutes remaining, Khalil evaded his marker and glanced the winner just inside Tractor’s far post.
Cue wild celebrations.
“Thank god we qualified,” said Olaroiu afterwards. “This was a good game to watch on TV in the stadium, but not on the bench. Today, we accomplished the most important target this season and I’d like to congratulate my players and everyone connected to the club. It wasn’t easy with all the problems we’ve had, but thank god in the end we got what we wanted.”
A banner spread across an empty section of the ground had conveyed what Ahli’s supporters desired: for their under-fire club to “fight until the end”. With Khalil finally coming through, they had done exactly that. An incredible journey continues. Next up in the last 16, potentially, is Al Ain. This most unexpected of storylines promises a few twists and turns yet.
REPORT CARD
Al Ahli rating
8/10 Pushed and pressed for the victory even when they went behind for a second time. A remarkable comeback, although with the number of chances created, they got what they deserved.
Tractor Sazi rating
6/10 Did enough to twice take the lead, but sat back when they could have perhaps pushed for a third. Were second-best for much of the match, yet almost took a point.
Our verdict
Ahli’s somehow fashioned the win to seal a place in the knockout stages for the first time in the club’s history. With backs firmly against the wall, the 2013/14 UAE champions never gave up. A remarkable performance.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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