Al-Sadd played out a goalless draw against the UAE’s Sharjah in the opening match of Group B of the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League. The match was played at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Monday evening.
The game started with Al-Sadd putting pressure on Sharjah’s players in their own half. In the 10th minute, Akram Afif made a run from the left side and took a powerful shot, which was saved by Sharjah’s goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick.
Al-Sadd maintained control of the ball, with both teams putting numbers in the midfield. Despite Al-Sadd’s control however, they didn’t create the required scoring opportunities. In the 23rd minute, Gonzalo Plata made a run from the right side and delivered a cross that went unclaimed by Al-Sadd’s forwards. In the 39th minute, Hassan Al-Haydos attempted a powerful shot, but it was saved by Sharjah’s goalkeeper, leading to a goalless first half.
Al-Sadd players were more active at the beginning of the second half, and in the 52nd minute, Al-Haydos came close to scoring with a powerful shot that flew above the crossbar by a small margin.
The Wolves continued to press, and the referee awarded a penalty after Plata was fouled in the box. However, Baghdad Bounedjah missed the penalty after the ball went out off the right post.
The pressure from Al-Sadd continued, with attempts coming from various angles. In the 71st minute, Pedro delivered a cross that was parried by Sharjah’s goalkeeper, and Mateus Uribe missed a clear goal opportunity. Despite a late push from Al-Sadd, the match concluded with a 0-0 draw.
