Photo Credit: Francois Nel – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Three goals in the final twelve minutes has seen United Arab Emirates side Al Ain defeat Auckland City FC 6-2 in the first round of the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Albert Riera’s team had bravely fought their way back to a 3-2 deficit before a late flurry ensured Al Ain will go on to face Egypt’s Al Ahly SC in the second round later next month.
Two early goals put Auckland City immediately on the back foot, with Fábio Cardoso and Sékou Baba Gassama both netting inside the opening eleven minutes to put the home side in control.
The New Zealanders responded admirably however when Jerson Lagos’ cross evaded everyone before nestling in the net with minutes remaining in the first period, halving the deficit. A stoppage time goal from Matias Palacios meant Al Ain held a 3-1 lead at the interval.
The OFC Champions League winners made the perfect start to the second 45 minutes, when Myer Bevan finished from close range following good work from Gerard Garriga to bring his side within one.
That’s the way it stayed for much of the second-half before the influential Soufiane Rahimi scored with twelve minutes of regulation time remaining.
Tong Zhou went close with a free-kick, forcing Khalid Eisa into a fine save, before Kaku added a fifth for Al Ain. Rahimi grabbed his second to complete the scoring and put the tie to bed in the final seconds.
Al Ain: 6 (Fábio CARDOSO 6′, Sékou Baba GASSAMA 11′, Matias PALACIOS 45+1′, Soufiane RAHIMI 78′, 90+4′, KAKU 90+2)
Auckland City: 2 (Jerson LAGOS 43′, Myer BEVAN 54′)
HT: 3-1