Sharjah Kicks Off AFC Champions League Campaign with a Valuable Win Over Tajikistan’s Istiklol

Sharjah secured a valuable 1-0 victory against Tajik club Istiklol Dushanbe on Tuesday evening in their opening match of the 2024 AFC Champions League group stage (Group C). The only goal of the match came from substitute Firas Ben Larbi in the 72nd minute, following a brilliant pass from Luan Pereira.

The first half saw a balanced performance from both teams, with attacks being exchanged but without any real danger. Sharjah had a slight advantage in possession but failed to capitalize on several opportunities due to lack of focus and composure, especially from Osman Kamara, Caio Lucas, and Luan Pereira. The home side’s most dangerous moment came in the 45th minute when Sharjah’s defense failed to clear the ball properly, but goalkeeper Khalid Tuhid saved the resulting shot.

In the second half, both teams continued in a similar fashion. Istiklol’s goalkeeper, Nahriddin Hasanov, made crucial saves, including a header from Luan Pereira in the 53rd minute, a powerful shot from Osman Kamara in the 58th minute, and another attempt from Caio Lucas in the 64th minute.

However, Sharjah’s persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when substitute Firas Ben Larbi scored with his first touch, lifting the ball over Istiklol’s goalkeeper after receiving a magical pass from Luan Pereira. Istiklol nearly equalized in the 88th minute, but their shot hit the crossbar, allowing Sharjah to walk away with all three points from their first match in the Asian competition.