Debutants Al Duhail finished their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on a high note outclassing reigning Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai FC 3-1 in the fifth position play-off at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, yesterday.
Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi, prior to the match said his team will be playing to beat the South Koreans, and The Red Knights proved that on the pitch with a dominating performance to record their first-ever victory in the elite tournament.
Edmilson Junior scored the opener for the Qatari champions in the 21st minute while Yoon Bit-garam pulled one back for Ulsan (61).
However, the home side delivered the knockout punch when Muhammad Muntari – coming off the bench – and feared forward Almoez Ali produced top strikes in 66th and 82nd minutes respectively.
Al Duhail, yesterday, showed significant improvement after their 1-0 defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the second round match on Thursday with their players looking more confident.
“I am very proud of the performance of players,” an ecstatic Lamouchi said after the victory.
“I am very happy to go out of a tournament with an impressive win against the Asian champions. We played well in the second half of previous match but we were outstanding in this match right from the beginning,” he added.
Edmilson congratulated all the Qatari fans following team’s maiden victory at the Club World Cup.
“I am very happy to play role in this important victory by scoring a goal,” Edmilson said yesterday.
“This victory would make all the Qatari people happy. Al Duhail represented Qatar in this tournament and succeeded in winning the fifth place,” he added.
Yesterday, Lamouchi made several changes with Qatari star Almoez returning to the starting XI along with Abdullah Al Ahrak and experienced Ali Afif.
Al Duhail, who were to dominate the rest of the match against Hong Myung-bo-coached Ulsan, made their first attempt in the second minute when Medhi Benatia attempted to score following a corner kick.
There were more attacks by the reigning QNB Stars League champions with Edmilson Junior and Brazil’s Dudu threatening Ulsan with dangerous moves.
Al Duhail’s aggressive approach paid dividend when in-form Edmilson found space with no Ulsan player to challenge, and the Belgian fired a perfect low shot from outside the box into the bottom-right corner to take the hosts ahead. It was Edmilson’s 13th goal in his last 10 matches.
Al Duhail continued to be in the driving seat and went into the half-time after taking 5 shots on target, with Ulsan taking just one shot.
The South Koreans fought back in the second and found equaliser through Yoon Bit-garam soon after Muntari came off the bench to replace Kenyan striker Michael Olunga.
Muntari was soon on target, volleying home first-time off Dudu’s scoop pass as Al Duhail quickly regained the lead.
Almoez sealed the victory, firing a right-foot strike after impressive run from the right, leaving no chance for goalkeeper Jo Hyeonwoo.
The defeat means Ulsan will have to wait more to record their maiden victory in the tournament.
As their campaign in the Club World Cup ends, Al Duhail will shift their focus to QSL title defense as they meet Al Rayyan on February 14.
Meanwhile, Brazilian referee Edina Alves Batista, supported by assistants Neuza Back and Mariana De Almeida, yesterday became the first woman to take charge of a match at a senior men’s FIFA tournament.
