Asian Champions League qualification hopes diminished for Al Shabab after loss

After topping Al Ittifaq in the first leg, Al Shabab fell 4-1 to the Suadi Arabia side and their qualification hopes took a severe blow, writes Ahmed Rizvi.

Al Shabab goalkeeper Salem Alhammadi makes a safe against Al Ettifaq during their Asian Champions League match. Christopher Pike / The National

Al Shabab's slim hopes of qualifying for the second round of the Asian Champions League were dealt a severe blow Tuesday night when they lost 4-1 to Al Ittifaq in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Saleh Basher opened the scores for the hosts, who lost the away game 1-0 in Dubai last Wednesday, in the 15th minute and Yahia Al Shehri made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute.

Edgar Bruno headed in Luiz Henrique's cross in the 51st minute to bring Shabab back into game. Five minutes later, however, their hopes were dashed when Henrique got his second yellow card, for simulation, and was given his marching orders.

Henrique's dive proved costly for the visitors as Basher (71st minute) and Yousuf Al Salem (80) added two more to Ittifaq's tally. Shabab need two wins in their two remaining games to have a chance of advancing.

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