Abu Dhabi: Hosts Al Jazira and Qatar’s Al Gharafa shared two points after a goalless draw in their opening match in Group A of the AFC Champions League here on Tuesday.
Al Jazira, who are currently heading towards their first-ever UAE Pro-League title, could have ended with full points but could not convert the many chances that came their way.
Staring off on an attacking note Jazira’s Abdulla Mousa crossed into the box from the left but his Brazilian teammate Bare could reach it. Al Jazira’s Argentine midfielder Matias Delgado hit into a defender and the rebound was dispatched by Mousa but Qasem Burhan, the Al Gharafa custodian saved.
Ivory Coast import Amara Diane broke the offside trap and shot but Jazira custodian Ali Kashief saved with a diving effort.
Ibrahim Diaky, Subhait Khater and Delgado took control of the midfield but just could not get a good look at the rival goal.
In the second half, Delgado passed to Bare but the chance was wasted by the Brazilian. And on the next move, Burhan did well to pull off a fine save off a Delgado drive.
Jazira’s best chance came in the 60th minute but again Burhan did well to save a Delgado effort after the Argentine had combined with Bare to pierce the defence.
Then in the 62nd minute Gharafa defender Marcone Amaral made a goal line save after Oliviera beat an advancing Burhan. Three more attempts, one each by Diaky, Subait Khater (free-kick) and Delgado could not be utilized and Jazira ended up sharing two points with Al Gharafa.
