Al Nasr prevail over Al Ahli

Dubai: Al Nasr and Al Ain fought their way to identical 1-0 wins against Al Ahli and Al Wasl in first round Group B matches of the FA Cup late on Tuesday.

"We had at least three or four clear chances and we managed just one goal. But that is good enough for the three points," Al Nasr coach Rainer Hollman told Gulf News.

There was no doubt hosts Al Nasr were the better organised team as they took control early in the match.

Playing without 13 of their main players, defending league champions Al Ahli had their problems, especially in the defence. But they kept on gamely, at times even posing a threat to the opponent's goal.

Al Ahli's Bulgarian professional Martin Kamburov tried to use his height advantage, but without much success.

As the match progressed, Al Nasr found their rhythm and Al Ahli showed signs of panicking.

On the 10th minute, Al Ahli defender Thani Juma had to go full stretch to make a goalline save off Walid Murad.

Al Nasr came calling again in the 21st minute, this time Yousuf Moosa sending in a neat chip, only to see Walid Murad miss out narrowly.

Al Ahli managed a quick counter on the half hour, but Kamburov failed to get a clean strike on goal with only Salim Abdullah at his mercy.

A minute later, Walid Murad and Mohammad Ebrahim worked in tandem, but Al Ahli goalkeeper Ali Saeed was equally adept in parrying away a stiff try.

Walid Murad was once again unlucky on the 34th minute when his stinging left footer hit the upright and bounced out for an abortive corner. Rightfully, it was Walid Murad who gave the home team the match-winner when the second half was eight minutes old.

It was a fortunate strike as Murad had a miscued shot from Mussallam Ahmad land at his feet, and the experience striker made no mistake in sending the ball to the right of Ali Saeed on the Al Ahli goal.

The goal brought out the best from the hugely inexperienced Al Ahli outfit. But till the very end they found it impossible to find the back of the Al Nasr net. Kamburov had the best chance during injury time, but the lanky Bulgarian only managed to hit the crosspiece as he tried to lob over goalkeeper Salim Abdullah.