Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia maintained strong performance in the AFC Cup Group D with a convincing 4-0 success over FC Goa at Al Awwal Park, while Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC secured a vital 2-1 win over FC Istiklol to remain in contention in AFC Cup Group D.
Ghareeb Shines as Al Nassr Outclass FC Goa: ACL 2 highlights
Abdulrahman Ghareeb led Al Nassr to another convincing victory at the ACL 2 highlights on Wednesday. Already leading AFC Cup Group D, the Saudi Pro League side flexed its attacking strength during the match, with Ghareeb scoring twice to guide his team to their fourth straight win. Ghareeb scored twice on the night to help Jorge Jesus’ team to its fourth straight victory.
FC Goa, who lost a narrow 1-2 match against Al Nassr in the first leg, started positively with some early pressing and a compact structure. But Al Nassr’s technical ability and superiority soon helped swing the match in their favor. The opening goal came in the 35th minute, when Ghareeb curled a beautiful free kick under the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari with no chance.
The Indian side held their nerve until half-time, but Al Nassr scored the second goal eight minutes into the second half. A pass by Ali Al Hassan split the defence of the Goa side to find Ghareeb, who simply slotted in his second of the night.
Goa had a shot on target in the 63rd minute from Dejan Drazic, but the shot was not a threat to Al Nassr’s goalkeeper Raghid Najjar. In the very next play, Mohammed Marran took advantage of a defensive issue to make it 3-0.
Sadio Mané linked up high with substitute João Félix to score the last goal, with Félix finishing acrobatically to seal the win. Ghareeb, despite spurning the chance to complete his hat trick, once again showed why he was the man of the match in all the highlights of ACL 2.
The result leaves Al Nassr at the top of AFC Cup Group D with 12 points from four matches, and FC Goa at the bottom without a win.
In another ACL 2 highlights fixture, Al Zawraa SC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Istiklol in Baghdad, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
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Al Zawraa SC Deliver Revenge on FC Istiklol
In Baghdad, Al Zawraa SC avenged their previous loss, defeating FC Istiklol 2-1, maintaining their chances at qualifying in the AFC Cup Group D.
The Iraqi team came out attacking, and they would take advantage by scoring in the seventh minute when Hasan Sayyid finished in close range after more than a few minutes of pressure in the Istiklol box.
FC Istiklol scored an equalizer in the 53rd minute through Ibrahim Tomiwa, who scored by converting a penalty awarded after Manuchehr Safarov was fouled. Resilience was next again when Al Zawraa regained momentum.
This occurred during a handball in the box on a corner kick, resulting in a penalty that was calmly taken by Amirbek Dzhuraboev in the 64th minute.
The defense stood strong in the waning moments of the match and absorbed the pressure late on from FC Istiklol, securing three important points and a knockout round position in Group D of the AFC Cup. Al Zawraa maintains six points in the table, level with FC Istiklol, and a close battle for qualification in the AFC Cup Group D.
Tactical Overview
In the case of Al Nassr, coach Jorge Jesus changed his lineup but did not change his tactical exercise. In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the team was relying on width, tempo, and rapid ball movement.
The fact that Ghareeb was placed between the lines, as well as on the play by midfielders like Marcelo Brozovic and Ali Al Hassan, made the Backline of Goa extend.
The ACL 2 highlights were also an indication of the depth of the Al Nassr squad, which had increased. Their elasticity in attack was publicized when Sadio Mané and Joao Felix came into the game late in the game.
Conversely, Al Zawraa SC emphasized defensive discipline and efficiency in counterattacking. Coach Ayoub Odisho applied a narrow 4-4-2 form. The group took advantage of the holes created behind Istiklol’s defense to utilize the diagonal passages.
Their disciplined pressing disrupted the visitors’ rhythm and was the focal point in the second half.
Group D Outlook: ACL 2 highlights
Following Matchweek 4, Al Nassr is still sitting comfortably at the top of AFC Cup Group D with 12 points. Persepolis and Al Duhail are closely behind, while FC Goa remains in danger of elimination after suffering another loss.
Meanwhile, in the ACL 2 highlights fixtures, Al Zawraa SC’s victory keeps their campaign alive. Now both Al Zawraa and Istiklol are level on points, and thus the next round of matches will be critical in qualifying for the knockout stages.
Ghareeb’s Growing Influence
Abdulrahman Ghareeb has scored four goals in four ACL 2 highlights appearances and continues to be one of Al Nassr’s most consistent performers. His dynamic movements, confidence in front of the goal, and cleverness make him a vital part of Jorge Jesus’ system.
After the match, Ghareeb spoke to togetherness as a team rather than personal recognition:
“Every player understands our goal. The team spirit is strong, and we are trying to finish first in AFC Cup Group D.”
Next Fixtures
- Al Nassr vs Persepolis – Riyadh (Matchweek 5)
- FC Goa vs Al Duhail – Fatorda Stadium
- FC Istiklol vs Al Zawraa SC – Dushanbe (Return leg)
Each of these games will carry major implications for AFC Cup Group D standings and qualification to the knockout rounds.
Amit Mishra’sTake
Abdulrahman Ghareeb Scored Two For Al Nassr – Abdulrahman Ghareeb scored two goals to help Al Nassr to a comprehensive 4-0 win against FC Goa in the ACL 2 highlights of the AFC Cup Group D at Al Awwal Park.
With Ghareeb leading from the front, Al Nassr remained unbeaten and firmly in control of their AFC Cup Group D campaign.
Mohammed Marran and João Félix added late goals as the Saudi Arabian group stayed unbeaten, with 12 points, atop AFC Cup Group D. Goa started energetically but could not keep up with Al Nassr’s clinical play. In a different AFC Cup Group D match, Al Zawraa SC’s revenge win vs. FC Istiklol by a score of 2-1 left them still searching for the knockout stage, with Hasan Sayyid and Amirbek Dzhuraboev securing the points.
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