UAE: The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Al Ain has secured the FIFA Intercontinental Cup title over Auckland City at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
This thrilling encounter ensures Al Ain faces Egypt’s Al Ahly in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup after seeing off Auckland City at the Emirati side’s Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Hernán Crespo’s men spectacularly started the match, taking a commanding 2-0 lead within the opening 11 minutes. The first goal came courtesy of a defensive lapse by Auckland City, allowing Fabio Cardoso to head in from close range. Just moments later, Sekou Baba Gassama amazed the crowd with a powerful 25-yard strike, doubling Al Ain’s advantage.
Despite the early setback, Auckland City regained their self-control and launched a series of attacks. Their efforts paid off just before half-time when Jerson Lagos scored directly from a corner, his swinging cross beating everyone and sneaking into the net off the far post. Al Ain quickly responded in stoppage time with Matias Palacios restoring their two-goal lead with a composed finish.
The second half saw Auckland City continue to press, and they were rewarded when Myer Bevan finished off a well-crafted team move to bring the score to 3-2. With the visitors gaining motivation, Al Ain’s defense was rattled further when Lagos struck the crossbar from another dangerous set-piece.
Sensing the need for fresh legs, Crespo turned to his bench, bringing on Soufiane Rahimi, who would be the game-changer. Rahimi immediately made his presence felt, heading home from Matias Segovia’s cross to extend Al Ain’s lead. Substitute Alejandro Romero added a stunning long-range strike to make it 5-2, before Rahimi capped off the night with his second goal in stoppage time, sealing a 6-2 victory.
With this win, Al Ain will now face Al Ahly in what promises to be an exciting FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final.