Shabab Al Ahli secured their spot in Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup final against Al Jazira.
This was after a 2-2 draw with Sharjah in the second leg of their semi-final clash at Rashid Stadium this evening.
The “Knights” booked their place in the final, having previously won 3-1 in the first leg at Sharjah Stadium last week.
First Half: Sharjah Takes the Lead
The game started cautiously until the 12th minute when Sharjah launched a quick, well-organized attack.
Mohammed Abdulbasit played a through ball to Guilherme Biro, who faced Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper Hassan Hamza and slotted the ball into the net.
Shabab Al Ahli responded with constant pressure but struggled to break through Sharjah’s solid defense.
In the 34th minute, Sharjah almost doubled their lead when Ousmane Camara’s shot was saved by Hassan Hamza, with Badr Nasser making a last-ditch clearance.
Shabab Al Ahli’s best chance in the first half came in the 40th minute.
When Munis Dabbur headed a cross from Yuri Cesar just wide of the right post.
The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Sharjah.
Second Half: Intense Drama & Penalty Decisions
Shabab Al Ahli’s coach, Paulo Sousa, made defensive changes at halftime to address defensive lapses.
In the 51st minute, Shabab Al Ahli was awarded a penalty after Adel Taarabt fouled Yuri Cesar in the box.
Cartabia converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1.
Sharjah responded with aggressive attacking play.
In the 62nd minute, after a VAR review, Sharjah was awarded a penalty.
Shahin Abdulrahman converted it to restore their lead at 2-1.
The excitement continued when Shabab Al Ahli was awarded another penalty.
Their second of the match and the third overall.
Cartabia scored again in the 68th minute, bringing the game level at 2-2.
Sharjah continued pressing, with Ousmane Camara’s shot narrowly missing the post in the 74th minute.
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Shabab Al Ahli Qualified to the Final After All the Drama
Sharjah’s chances were further hampered in the 85th minute when VAR intervened to send off Majed Rashid, reducing the team to 10 players.
Shabab Al Ahli thought they had scored a winner in the 87th minute.
But the goal was ruled out for offside.
In stoppage time, Sharjah’s Darko’s header hit Shabab Al Ahli’s crossbar, but the match ended 2-2.
Securing Shabab Al Ahli’s place in the final of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup.
