Shabab Al-Ahli Set for Elite Qualification Clash Against Al-Gharafa

Shabab Al-Ahli from the UAE will face Qatar's Al-Gharafa in the group stage qualifiers of the Asian Champions League Elite after a 4-1 playoff victory against Sepahan. Yahya Al-Ghassani scored twice in extra-time, and Sardar Azmoun equalized in regular time. The tournament draw is scheduled for Aug. 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates will challenge Qatar's Al-Gharafa next week for a spot in the group stages of the rebranded Asian Champions League Elite after a 4-1 playoff triumph against Iranian hosts Sepahan in Isfahan on Tuesday. Yahya Al-Ghassani was the hero of the extra-time period, striking twice.

The intense match saw Sepahan's Mohammad Mehdi Mohebi score in the 44th minute, only to be equalized by Shabab Al-Ahli's new Iranian striker, Sardar Azmoun, 17 minutes into the second half. Azmoun's timely close-range effort extended the game into extra-time, where Al-Ghassani's brilliance, coupled with a goal from Cesar, guaranteed victory.

Following this victory, Shabab Al-Ahli is set to face Al-Gharafa in Qatar next Tuesday. The winner will move on to the group stages of the revamped competition, which will see 12 clubs from West Asia and 12 from the East participating. The tournament draw will take place in Kuala Lumpur on August 16.

(With inputs from agencies.)