Muharraq kick off AFC Cup with win

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq kicked off their campaign in the 2021 AFC Cup yesterday with a 1-0 victory over Al-Salt of Jordan.

The match was played at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman.

Both teams are in Group B of the competition’s preliminary round along with Al Ansar of Lebanon and Balata Center of Palestine.

Bahrain international striker Ismaeel Abdullatif scored the winning goal for Muharraq in the first half.

That was eventually enough to separate the two sides at the final whistle.

Muharraq coach Issa Al Sadoun kicked off the match with a starting 11 that included Sayed Mohammed Jaffar between the posts; Waleed Al Hayam, Amine Benaddi, Mhd Arnaout, Mohamed Al Banna in defence; a five-man midfield of Ali Al Safi, Abdulwahab Al Malood, Ahmed Al Sherooqi and Brazilians Jhonnattann Benites and Tiago Real do Prado; and Abdullatif as the lone striker.

Right before half-time in the 42nd minute, Abdullatif put the Bahrainis ahead with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box.

After receiving the ball, Abdullatif kept his composure as he rounded Salt goalkeeper Mutaz Yasin and slotted home his side’s opener.

Abdullatif was assisted by Al Hayam, who sent him a pass into the penalty area from the left flank.

Muharraq could have doubled their lead nine minutes into the second half after Benites curled a shot from inside the box that beat Yasin but bounced off the post and fell for Abdullatif, who applied the finish into the back of the net but was in an offside position.

The result gave Muharraq the full three points. Following yesterday’s encounter, Muharraq returns to the pitch in their second game on Monday against Balata Center, before playing Al Ansar on Thursday.

This year’s AFC Cup is the 18th edition of the competition.

The AFC Cup is Asia’s secondary club tournament organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The winners of the AFC Cup automatically qualify for the 2022 AFC Champions League.

Muharraq were champions of the AFC Cup in 2008 and will be looking to repeat that success this time around.

They are making a return to the competition after a four-year absence.

 A total of 38 clubs from 28 nations are competing in this year’s tournament.

Local side Hidd is also competing in the tournament.

They are playing in Group A, which is having its matches in Bahrain.

Hidd play their first match on Monday against Al Wahda of Syria, before facing defending champions Al Ahed of Lebanon on Thursday