Late Twist in Qarshi: Al Wahda Stuns Nasaf to Boost ACL West Hopes

Match recap

Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates overturned a first-half deficit to beat visiting Nasaf Qarshi 2-1 on Monday night at the Central Stadium in Qarshi, in Round 4 of the AFC Champions League Elite Western Zone (2025-2026).

Sardorbek Behramov gave Nasaf the lead just before halftime, blasting a powerful strike from outside the box. Al Wahda responded decisively after the break, with Favour Ogbo and Kai Kanido scoring in the 52nd and 89th minutes to seal the comeback.

With the victory, Al Wahda moved temporarily to the top of the Western Zone standings, collecting 10 points from four games. Their campaign so far has included a 2-1 win over Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi, a goalless draw with Tractor in Tabriz, and a 3-1 win against Al-Duhail in Abu Dhabi.

Nasaf, by contrast, remained without points after losses to Al Ahli in Jeddah, to Al Hilal in Qarshi, and to Shabab Al Ahli in Dubai, leaving them on far shakier ground as the group phase progresses.

Match events

The match began with quick exchanges but few clear-cut chances until the 10th minute, when Facundo Crossbysky struck a shot from inside the box that hit the crossbar and fizzed past the danger zone without a rebound, signalling the goal of a tense night.

Nasaf pressed after that, with Sardorbek Behramov testing the UAE keeper in the 19th minute. Al Wahda’s defense held firm, and their own late pressure culminated in a goal against the run of play just before the break.

In the second half, Al Wahda showed more intent. A well-worked cross from the left was headed home by Ogbo in the 52nd minute, leveling the score, and Kanido headed the decisive goal home from a rebound nine minutes from time to seal the result.

The match swung again as Nasaf sought to respond, but the steadfastness of the Al Wahda defense and a string of crucial saves from the goalkeeper helped to preserve the success. Kanido came close to a third late on, but the scoreline stood at 2-1 as the whistle blew.

Looking ahead, Nasaf will host Tractor in Qarshi on November 24, while Al Wahda meets Al Sadd in Abu Dhabi on November 25. Each side has eight group-stage matches to play, with the top eight from each Western and Eastern region advancing to the knockout rounds in March 2026, ahead of the later rounds staged in Saudi Arabia in April.

And because football is a sport that loves a dramatic plot twist, tonight’s result proves once again that patience and a good crossbar impression can win you games—sometimes even a whole group. Punchline time: if the ball had a training montage, this comeback would be the trailer. Punchline 2: in football as in life, the late goal is nature’s way of saying, “I still believe in you.”