Weah goal ensures Al
Jazira semifinals spot
Al Ain |By Salah Sulaiman | 04-06-2002
George Weah helped Al Jazira to reach the semifinals of the President's Cup
when he scored the all important goal against Al Shaab at Qattara Stadium
yesterday.
Both teams failed to score in the normal time.
Weah was put clear by a teammate in the presence of Al Shaab defenders Jalil
Abdul Rahman and Omran Al Jasmy four minutes into the first session of extra
time. The winners are likely to take on league champions Al Ain in the
semifinal on June 7.
This victory was against the run of play as the losers dominated most of the
departments throughout the 90 minutes. They launched a number of onslaughts
from the word go looking for an early goal.
Their opponents played defensively and relied on counter attacks. Their
second Liberian pro James Debbah spearheaded their attacks as he played
alone in the frontline. Al Jazira could not threaten Al Shaab goal as most
of their work was concentrated in the midfield.
Jasim Al Dokhy of Al Shaab was the first to hit but his powerful shot was
blocked by the winner's custodian Saeed Jumaa only 14 minutes into play.
But despite of their continuous attacks Al Shaab could not find the target.
They tried to penetrate through all angles but Al Jazira closed all the
gaps.
Their big blunder was their dependence on Mohammed Souror in the frontline
without any help from any other player and that made it easier for Al Jazira
defense to mark him tightly. The most dangerous chance for Al Jazira came
James Debbah's way in the 25th minute. |
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