Mumbai City FC and Al Jazira played out a goalless draw on Matchday Four of the AFC Champions League 2022 Group B at King Fahd International Stadium on Monday.
Both sides came into the game with three points to their names, knowing that a result was important if they were to catch up with the group’s leading duo Al Shabab and Air Force Club of Iraq.
Ali Mabkhout’s spot-kick was the difference between the two sides last time out, and once more there was very little to separate them.
It was Al Jazira who started on the front foot with Mabkhout testing goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa with an effort from the edge of the penalty box after five minutes.
Mumbai City responded through Lalengmawia Ralte who rose highest to head Ahmed Jahouh’s cross from the corner but could not aim towards goal, while Rahul Bheke also attempted an effort from distance with no luck.
Al Jazira thought they had taken the lead at the half-hour mark when Brazilian playmaker Bruno got on the end of Mabkhout’s cross from the right and aimed for the bottom corner but Lachenpa produced an extraordinary save to deny him.
The Emirati side ramped up the pressure late in the first half with Mabkhout drilling a low effort that the Mumbai City goalkeeper had no trouble dealing with and Abdoulaye Diaby fluffing his lines from close range when it was easier to score, for the opening period to end goalless.
A cagey second half saw both sides resorting to long range efforts as Abdulla Ramadan and Jahouh both failed to direct their efforts at either side of the pitch in what were the most notable attempts heading into the final 20 minutes.
Substitute Mohammed Jamal set up Ramadan on the edge of the area, but the UAE international midfielder watched his effort being collected by the Indian goalkeeper, and so did his colleague Zayed Al Ameri as Al Jazira grew increasingly frustrated with their inability to convert their possession into goals.
With a point each, the two sides move up to four points, keeping their hopes alive as Al Jazira face Air Force Club next while Mumbai City play group hosts Al Shabab in their upcoming game.
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