Amman: A pair of second-half goals ensured two-time champions Al Faisaly claimed their first victory in the 2016 AFC Cup with a 2-1 defeat of Iraq’s Nafit Al Wasat in Group B on Tuesday.
After a goalless opening period at Amman International Stadium, Al Faisaly opened the scoring in the 55thminute through Yaseen Al Bakheet before a Mohammed Nasser own-goal put the Jordanians in firm control with 11 minutes remaining.
Amjed Waleed then headed in from two yards out in the final minute to throw the Iraqis a lifeline but Al Faisaly managed to hold out to claim all three points.
“It was an important match. We achieved what we wanted which was to get the three points in front of our home fans,” said Al Faisaly coach Mohammad Al Odali.
“After scoring the first goal we had to strengthen the midfield and we eventually added another. We held onto our lead and got an important three points.
“It was a great victory for us because it was our first win in the competition. Hopefully we can continue winning matches.”
The hosts had the better of the first half but midfielder Maher Al Jada fired against the woodwork on 33 minutes after his first-time shot from Salem Al Ajalin’s cross from the left.
Al Faisaly went in front 10 minutes after the restart, though, when Alaa Imad and Nasser hesitated in the Nafit Al Wasat area to allow Al Bakheet to nip in and score.
Then with 20 minutes remaining midfielder Baha Suleiman curled his free-kick from just outside the left side of the penalty area narrowly over.
And Al Faisaly did double their lead in the 79th minute when Al Ajalin was played in down the left and his cross from inside the penalty area deflected off the unfortunate Nasser and into the back of the net.
As full-time approached Nadim Sabagh saw his left-foot effort from just inside the area cleared off the line by Al Ajalin but Waleed was on hand to nod home his second goal in two games to ensure a nervy finale.
But the home side, who could have killed the game in stoppage time when Al Bakheet shot over with just goalkeeper Noor Sabri to beat, held out for the win.
“We dominated proceedings and had several goal-scoring chances, but Al Faisaly managed to score two goals,” said Nafit Al Wasat coach Hamza El Gamal.
“Things would have been different had we scored early but we fought until the end and reduced the deficit.
“We made several mistakes and Al Faisaly took advantage to score and win the match.”
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