Al-Taawoun held in Qatar but look well placed to advance in tournament

Al-Taawoun drew 2-2 with Al-Wakrah of Qatar on Wednesday in the first leg of their round of 16 clash in AFC Champions League Two.

After taking the lead twice, to come away with a draw may have been a little disappointing, but the result puts the Saudi Arabian team within sight of advancing in the continental competition toward a major piece of silverware.

With fine results from Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr in the Champions League Elite — with all three teams already booking a place in the knockout stage of Asia’s premier tournament — their Saudi Pro League counterparts are now in a good position to go deeper in the continent’s second-tier competition.

The return match takes place in Buraidah next week and Al-Taawoun, who finished top of Group B in the first round, are the favorites to progress against their Qatari opponents, but there is still some work to do.

The visitors from Saudi Arabia were ahead after just 12 minutes at Khalifa International Stadium. Roger Martinez was brought down in the area and after the referee pointed to the spot, up stepped Aschraf El-Mahdioui to fire home the resultant penalty.

Al-Taawoun had chances in the first half to extend their lead but were left to regret those missed opportunities 10 minutes after the restart as the team from Qatar equalized, Ayoub Assal scoring at the far post after connecting with Farid Boulaya’s cross.

The Saudi Arabians were back in front just after the hour after Martinez burst into the penalty area and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper.

However, Al-Wakrah were not beaten and with 20 minutes remaining were back on level terms, thanks to a well-taken goal from Gelson Dala who shot home from just outside the six-yard box after good work from Boulaya on the left. 

The second leg takes place at the home of Al-Taawoun next Wednesday.