PFC Nasaf Secures Comeback Victory Against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai In AFC Champions League Match

PFC Nasaf of Uzbekistan secured a 2-1 victory over UAE's Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 Group D match on Wednesday. Zoran Marusic was the hero, scoring twice to overturn a first-half deficit and earn Nasaf their first group win. Mateus Lima had initially put Shabab Al Ahli ahead before Marusic's late goals turned the tide.

Shabab Al Ahli began the game strongly, with Eid Khamis missing an early chance as his header went wide despite being unmarked during a corner. Harib Abdalla then tested Nasaf's goalkeeper, Abduvakhid Nematov, who made a smart save to his left. However, it was Lima who broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, showcasing impressive speed to outpace Golib Gaybullaev and cleverly chip the ball over Nematov.

In response to trailing at halftime, Nasaf's head coach Ruzikul Berdiev made three substitutions. Sharof Mukhitdinov, Shohjahon Sultonmurodov, and Dilshod Komilov replaced Jambul Jighauri, Stefan Colovic, and Igor Golban respectively. These changes revitalised Nasaf's attack, with Marusic becoming more involved in the second half than he had been earlier.

Al Ahli's coach Paulo Sousa also opted for tactical adjustments by introducing Yahya Al Ghassani, Rikelme, and Breno Cascardo into the fray. Despite these efforts, it was Nasaf who capitalised on their momentum in the 83rd minute when Marusic headed home from Bobir Abdixolikov’s corner kick delivery.

The home team continued to press forward and were rewarded in stoppage time. Marusic scored again from close range after receiving a precise cushioned header from Abdixolikov. This decisive goal secured all three points for Nasaf and elevated them to four points at the top of Group D standings.

Shabab Al Ahli now sits second in the group with three points following this defeat. The match highlighted both teams' tactical adaptability and determination but ultimately showcased Nasaf’s resilience and ability to seize crucial moments.

With inputs from WAM