Away Point, Quiet Drama: Al-Ahli Qatar Snags a Point in Uzbekistan

Match recap

Al-Ahli Qatar traveled to Andijan, Uzbekistan, and left with a valuable point after a goalless stalemate at Bobur Stadium in the AFC Champions League 2, Group B’s second round. The draw leaves both clubs on two points after two matches, following earlier ties that left the group remarkably balanced and competitive.

Both sides came into the game intent on keeping their qualification hopes alive, with eyes on the upcoming fixtures that could tilt the standings in either direction. The match opened with a cautious tempo, as the teams tested each other’s resolve rather than going all-out in attack.

Al-Ahli named a solid starting XI: Marwan Badr-Eddine in goal, a back four featuring Mati Mitrović, Hilal Al-Saeed, and Robin Tehi, and a midfield trio of Ibrahim Diallo, Idris Tfouhi, Eric Espósito, Michel Vilab, plus Seiko Yansani supporting up front. Three changes followed at halftime as Julian Draxler, Khaled Mohammed, and Ahmed Riyad Mola entered for Seiko Yansani, Diallo, and Al-Saeed, reshaping the visitors’ approach in search of an opener.

Andijan began with confidence, dictating possession and pressing high, and they carved out the first warning with a long-range effort that tested the Al-Ahli keeper. The Uzbek side continued to push, while Marwan Badr-Eddine produced a string of sharp saves to maintain the balance in a half that offered glimpses but little tangible danger on goal.

From the restart, the tempo rose. A header fizzed narrowly wide for Andijan in the 46th minute as they sought to seize control. Al-Ahli countered with a pair of testing efforts from distance—Michael Flap and Eric Espósito both forcing good saves from Tokotayev—but the breakthrough eluded both sides as the match wore on.

The hosts remained compact, yet the visitors grew into the second half, keeping a tight shape and probing with quick combinations. A late sequence of chances for Al-Ahli, including efforts from Seiko Janan and Idris Tfouhi, failed to breach the Uzbek goalkeeper in a match that delivered intensity but not a goal.

The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 draw, a result that preserves a competitive Group B dynamic. Al-Ahli started with a familiar lineup and, despite the substitutions, defended stoutly and created opportunities, even if none found the net. In this group, every point matters, and this one sits well with the visitors as they head to the next round.

In terms of domestic form, Al-Ahli remain a topic of debate back in Doha. They sit ninth in the Qatar Stars League after six games, with two wins and four draws, signaling that continental progress hasn’t yet translated into league momentum. Still, a point on the road beats a loss, and the camp will take the positives while drafting plans to sharpen their final third in coming fixtures.