• Home
• /
• Football

Khamis Keeps Wahda’s AFC Hopes Alive

Al Wahda started the better of the two sides and had a chance after just one minute when Brazilian striker Fernando Baiano struck a powerful free kick that forced Mosab Balhous to deflect away for a corner.

The visitors continued to dominate the first half but struggled to find a way through the hosts’ solid defence.

Al Karamah weathered that early pressure and produced their first noteworthy chance in the 33^rd minute when midfielder Aattef Jenniat saw his rasping drive saved by Adel Al Hosani.

Towards the end of the first half the balance of play had swung in favour of the hosts and they maintained their dominance at the start of the second period, although failed to create any scoring chances with Kuwait international striker Fahad Al Rashidi struggling to impose himself in the game.

As Al Karamah pressed forward, Al Wahda opted to try and hit them on the counter attack and it was from one such move they took the lead in the 72^nd minute when the dangerous Baiano played a quick pass to Khamis, who broke into the area before sending the ball over goalkeeper Balhous.

Stunned by the goal, Al Karamah tried in earnest to get back into the game and should have levelled the scores three minutes before the end when Alaa Al Shbli’s shot from just inside the area flew inches wide of the right upright.

However, it was Al Wahda who nearly sealed the game two minutes later with a second goal when Mohamed Al Shehhi went on a driving run before cracking a powerful shot against the crossbar.

Al Karamah again pressed in the final few minutes but Al Wahda held on to protect their slender lead and claim the win.