BAGHDAD, Iraq – Al Zawraa of Iraq secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 on , at Al Zawraa Stadium. The match, a thrilling back-and-forth affair, sets the stage for a crucial second leg in Dubai on .
Al Wasl took an early lead in the fifth minute through Miguel Borja, capitalizing on a well-constructed move initiated by Nicolás Giménez and a precise cross from Ali Saleh. The goal appeared to give the Emirati side the momentum, but their advantage was short-lived. Al Zawraa responded with increasing pressure, ultimately finding the equalizer in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time courtesy of Amer Jamous.
The complexion of the match shifted dramatically in the 27th minute with the sending off of Al Wasl defender Soufiane Bouftini. This disciplinary setback proved costly for Rui Vitória’s side, as Al Zawraa exploited the numerical advantage. Mohammed Ali was later substituted for Khaled Al Senani in the 40th minute for Al Wasl.
The second half saw a flurry of activity. Borja struck again in the 65th minute, converting a rebound after a shot by Siaka Sidibé was saved by the Al Zawraa goalkeeper. However, the Iraqi side refused to yield. Brayan Riascos leveled the score three minutes later, and then secured the lead for Al Zawraa in the 76th minute, completing a remarkable turnaround.
Al Wasl’s starting lineup featured Mohammed Al Wali in goal, with a defensive line of Soufiane Bouftini, Hugo Neto, Adryelson Silva, and Pedro Malheiro. The midfield comprised Siaka Sidibé, Ali Saleh, Fabio Lima, Renato Tapia, and Nicolás Giménez, while Miguel Borja led the attack. Rui Vitória attempted to inject fresh energy into his team with second-half substitutions, bringing on Gabriel Vareta for Ali Saleh and Brahian Palacios for Fabio Lima. Later changes saw Serginho and Renato Junior replace Nicolás Giménez and Miguel Borja, respectively, but the adjustments proved insufficient to alter the outcome.
The match was characterized by tactical adjustments and a spirited performance from both sides. Al Wasl, despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the game, demonstrated resilience and attacking intent. However, Al Zawraa’s ability to capitalize on their numerical advantage and maintain composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive.
The first leg result places Al Zawraa in a favorable position heading into the second leg at Zabeel Stadium. However, the two-goal cushion is far from insurmountable, and Al Wasl will be determined to leverage their home advantage and overturn the deficit. The return fixture promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams vying for a place in the next stage of the AFC Champions League Two.
The loss marks a setback for Al Wasl in their continental campaign. The team will need to address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed in Baghdad and find a way to unlock Al Zawraa’s defense in Dubai. The sending off of Bouftini will also necessitate a reassessment of their defensive strategy.
For Al Zawraa, the victory represents a significant achievement and a boost to their confidence. They will aim to replicate their performance in the second leg and secure their progression in the tournament. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain a strong attacking threat will be crucial to their success.
The AFC Champions League Two continues to deliver compelling matches, showcasing the growing competitiveness of Asian club football. The upcoming second leg between Al Zawraa and Al Wasl is poised to be another captivating chapter in this prestigious competition.
Al Zawraa’s recent form includes a 4-2 victory over Zakho, a 0-0 draw against Al Naft, and a 0-0 draw against Duhok. Al Wasl, prior to the match against Al Zawraa, had secured a 1-1 draw against Al-Nasr SC, a 0-1 loss to Khorfakkan, and a 1-0 win against Al-Jazira, followed by a 3-1 defeat to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC.
