Redemption for Ibrahima Toure as Al Nasr shock Al Ain in President’s Cup

Nasr advance to the semi-finals and will meet Al Shabab, who edged Baniyas 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 result after 120 minutes. Al Ahli are also through to the last four of the President’s Cup, reports Ahmed Rizvi.

Ibrahima Toure, left, of Al Nasr celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Al Ain during their President's Cup match at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai on Saturday. Satish Kumar / TheShow more

DUBAI // All’s well that ends well. At least, that is what Ibrahima Toure must be telling himself after leading Al Nasr to victory over defending champions Al Ain in the quarter-finals of the President’s Cup on Saturday night.

The Senegalese striker missed two simple chances in the opening minutes of the match and the home fans were screaming their displeasure.

But with a minute to play, Toure made amends, sneaking in from the right to receive Pablo Hernandez’s ball and bunt it past the man who had frustrated him all night, Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa.

“For a striker, it is very important to get into positions to score,” said Ivan Jovanovic, the Nasr coach.

“He missed some great chances earlier, but when it mattered the most, he was in the right position to score, at the right moment and take us into the semi-final.”

Nasr made it to the semis of the President’s Cup last year but lost 2-1 to Al Ain.

Toure’s troubles had started in the 8th minute when, with only the Al Ain goalkeeper to beat, he shot straight into him.

The second highest goalscorer in the Arabian Gulf League this season behind Al Jazira’s Mirko Vucinic, Toure had wasted an opportunity a minute earlier as well after Mahmoud Khamis had put a long ball into the box for him.

The Senegalese tried to side-volley on the first attempt, but Essa showed good anticipation and managed to push the ball back.

Toure then tried to put the rebound back, but the goalkeeper showed great reflexes again, deflecting the ball back into play off the post. The frustrated Nasr striker then dragged the ball wide on his third attempt.

A minute from time, though, he made his shot count.

“Congrats to Al Nasr,” said Zlatko Dalic, the Al Ain coach. “We have lost and we need to focus on the Asian Champions League now. We cannot consider this as a tragedy, but instead put this result behind us and start working for the next match.”

Nasr will next meet Al Shabab, who edged Baniyas 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 result after 120 minutes, with both goals coming late in regulation time.

Al Ahli are also through to the last four of the President’s Cup, scoring two in extra time to down Division One club Dubai 5-3.

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