Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira recorded their first AFC Champions League home victory since 2014 with a 3-2 win over Al Gharafa in Group A on Monday.
Brazilian striker Romarinho broke free on the wing and attempted to find teammate Ali Mabkhout, but his cross found its way to the back of the net, tricking goalkeeper Qassim Burhan in the tenth minute.
The visitors' response was instant, as former Persepolis striker Mehdi Taremi found space inside Al Jazira's box to control and fire low past Ali Khaseif within a minute of the hosts' opener.
The Emirati champions restored their lead in the 26th minute after Moroccan playmaker Mbark Boussoufa sent Mabkhout through on goal with a defence-splitting pass. The UAE international applied a calm finish past Burhan for Al Jazira’s second.
The pick of the goals came in the 69th minute when Romarinho nodded for Ahmed Al Hashmi to strike on the half-volley from 40 yards out, to make it 3-1.
Two minutes later, Qatari international Ahmed Alaeldin twisted and turned inside Al Jazira’s box and unleashed a low drive that hit the upright and fell for Wesley Sneijder to tap in Al Gharafa’s second. His goal proved merely a consolation as Al Jazira walked away with the three points.