Nasaf 0
Al Ahli 1
Ribeiro 81'
Man of the match Luis Jimenez (Ahli)
Paraded as Al Ahli’s prize signing at the Rashid Stadium back in February, Everton Ribeiro’s initial few months with the UAE champions had not matched his billing.
Apparently, Ahli acquired the Brazilian from under the noses of leading European clubs, such as Manchester United, AC Milan and AS Monaco. Principally, though, he had disappointed.
Such has been his malaise, that Ribeiro began last night’s crucial Asian Champions League clash against Uzbekistan’s Nasaf on the bench.
Even with Ahli requiring a spark to break the stalemate in Qarshi, he did not enter the pitch until midway through the second half.
Yet shortly after his introduction, Ribeiro provided what could be the catalyst to his Ahli career.
It may also serve as the spark to Ahli’s stuttering season.
Few connected to the club will care that his 81th-minute strike took a huge deflection off Erkin Baydullaev, the hosts’ midfielder, before nestling in the Nasaf net. It was enough to clinch three precious points.
The 1-0 win granted Ahli a first victory in six matches on the continent stretching back into last year.
More pertinently, it secured a first success from four attempts in their current campaign.
Bottom of Group D until Ribeiro fired the decisive blow, Ahli now sit second and nearer the knockout stages.
The great escape is on.
Their chances received a jolt thousands of kilometres away in Tabriz, too, where Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli snatched a last-gasp draw at Tractor Sazi. Scored by Omar Al Soma at the death, the goal helped resurrect their Dubai counterparts’ Asia ambitions.
In fairness, Cosmin Olaroiu’s side could have guaranteed their own boost before Ribeiro’s intervention.
Much has been made about Ahmed Khalil’s position as his team’s chief striker following an ill-judged winter transfer window. Against Nasaf, he did little to quell concerns.
If only the UAE forward had brought his shooting boots to Uzbekistan, he could have departed with the match ball.
Shots were skewed and squirted off target. In particular, two golden opportunities were spurned in the first half.
Yet Khalil’s carelessness will fade in the glow of Ribeiro’s winner, as the big-money recruit finally supplied a contribution to justify the fee.
Deciphering just how lucrative will have to wait: Ahli have two more Champions League fixtures to come.
But it should furnish the squad with renewed hope and belief, as they shift into the final throes of the season.
Qualify for the last-16 abroad, and startle into action domestically, and Ahli could yet emerge from 2014/15 with more than their reputation restored.
If they do, Ribeiro, that prized signing back in February, can point to his belated boon in Uzbekistan.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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