DUBAI: Al-Hilal were eliminated from the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage for the first time since 2006 after a 2-1 defeat to Al-Ain after a brace from Marcus Berg in Dubai.
The Saudi Arabian giants were runners-up in last season’s competition, but have had a miserable campaign this year, not helped by injury to Syrian superstar Omar Khribin. The visitors got off to a perfect start, taking an early lead when Mohammed Al-Burayk scored a free-kick from 25 yards out seven minutes into the game.
Despite the shaky start, Al-Ain regrouped and started to threaten. Their first real sight of goal came in the 20th minute when Emirati playmaker Omar Abdulrahman produced a brilliant pass to Marcus Berg right, but the Swede’s attempt was cleared off the goal line by Al-Burayk.
Al-Hilal’s defender Mohammed Jahfali was penalized after a reckless tackle in the penalty area on Abdulrahman, but Al-Ain’s number 10 failed to deliver from the spot as former Premier League goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi was quick to make the save in the 24th minute.
Five minutes before the break, Abdulrahman was brought down in the box by defender Ali Al Bulayhi and Berg, this time, stepped up to take the penalty, successfully levelling the score.
Al-Ain kept the pressure on their opponents and there was still time for them to be awarded a third penalty of the night before half-time when Rayan Yslam was fouled by Fahad Al-Rashidi, and Berg was once again clinical to net his side’s second in added time.
In the second half, the Saudi side took control and labored for an equalizer, while Al-Ain defended resolutely and looked to hit on the counter. They came closest when Berg was denied a hat-trick by the crossbar after chipping Caio Fernandes’ cross over Al-Habsi.
They held on, and the result means Al-Ain now face Al-Rayyan in Qatar in a winner-takes-all match to seal a Round of 16 place, after Iran’s Esteghlal secured their progress earlier in the group’s other match.
Al-Hilal’s miserable AFC Champions League season continues after Al-Ain defeat
Al-Hilal’s miserable AFC Champions League season continues after Al-Ain defeat
FIA signs cooperation agreement with Arab League
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says pact reflects commitment to deliver practical solutions for mobility, tourism and regional cooperation
DUBAI: The FIA, the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, has signed an agreement with the Arab League to strengthen cooperation across transport, tourism, sport, and regional policy.
The aim of the pact is to improve cross-border movement through internationally recognized travel and transport documents, including the Carnet de Passages en Douane system for the temporary admission of vehicles, and the International Driving Permit.
Both play an important role in facilitating travel, trade, and tourism, supporting greater regional integration, according to a recent press release from the organization.
FIA Member Clubs are trusted issuers of CPDs and International Driving Permits, working closely with national authorities and international frameworks.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA’s president, said: “This memorandum reflects the FIA’s commitment to working in partnership to deliver practical solutions that support mobility, tourism and regional cooperation.
“By strengthening collaboration with the League of Arab States, we are reinforcing the role of our FIA Member Clubs as trusted partners in facilitating cross-border movement and contributing to economic integration across the region.”
Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, assistant secretary-general and head of the economic affairs sector of the Arab League, said: “The LAS General Secretariat places great importance on building partnerships with international and regional organizations in this vital sector in all its forms.
“The FIA is a leading international organization active in transport, tourism, road safety and motorsport for development, and includes national clubs from a number of Arab countries among its members.”
Essa Hamza, chair of the FIA MENA Council, added: “This partnership delivers a platform to advance regional connectivity. Together we are strengthening tourism and cross-border travel, creating a real impact for people and institutions across the Arab world.”
Signed at the league’s general secretariat in Cairo, the agreement builds a framework for practical collaboration and knowledge sharing, the press release stated.
