Jeddah giants Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad escape defeat

Players in action during the Al-Ittihad-Al-Shamal match.

JEDDAH, Sept 15: Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad both avoided defeat in their opening AFC Champions League Elite matches, with the two Jeddah clubs settling for draws.

Al-Ahli, the reigning two-time champion, was held 1-1 at home by Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor after Firas Al-Buraikan struck in stoppage time to rescue a point.

Pakhtakor looked set to leave Jeddah with all three points after Brazilian forward Giovinco Flamarion put the visitors ahead in the 86th minute. Al-Buraikan equalized in the third minute of added time to keep Al-Ahli from suffering an opening-day defeat.

Al-Ahli will next face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the Three Continents Cup before returning to AFC Champions League Elite action against UAE side Al-Wasl away.

Pakhtakor will host Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadsiah in its next continental outing.

Al-Ittihad also had to come from behind to earn a point, drawing 1-1 away to Qatar’s Al-Shamal.

Veteran Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah gave Al-Shamal the lead, but Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum equalized to secure a point for the visitors.

In the second round of West Zone matches on Oct. 12 and 13, Al-Shamal will visit Iran’s Tractor, while Al-Ittihad will host UAE side Shabab Al-Ahli.

Al-Qadsiah enjoyed a winning debut in the competition, defeating UAE side Al-Wasl 2-1 at home to claim a historic victory.