QSL side El Jaish bowed out of the AFC Champions League at in valiant fashion to on Wednesday evening, drawing with Al Ain 2-2 eventually losing 5-3 on aggregate. Goals from Omar Abdulrahman and Mohammed Abdulrahman sealed Ain’s place in the final where they will play either FC Soul or Jounbuk of South Korea.

The hosts dominated possession in the early exchanges, and had plenty of joy on the left hand side through Sardor Rashidov. Jaish registered their first chance of note through right back Murad Naji however his shot flew well wide.

Sabri Lamouchi’s men slowly grew in confidence and two quickfire efforts from Romarinho brought out two impressive stops from Khaled Eisa in the Al Ain goal. The game was a tight and tetchy affair, and despite not enjoying the most possession the visitors managed to create two golden chances before the half time break.

The first chance of note fell to Ain’s Colombian attacker Danilo Asprilla, the first of which was a long raking ball from Omar Abdulrahman, which fell at the feet of Asprilla. His subsequent shot was tipped away by Khalifa Ababacar. Moments later from the resulting corner fell to Amer Abdulrahman however his chipped effort was saved by Abacar, the first half ended honors even at 0-0.

El Jaish went into the second half looking to open the scoring and despite enjoying the majority of the early possession they only had a tame shot from Murad Naji to show for their efforts.

Al Ain delivered the decisive blow on the 57^th minute to all but seal their place in the AFC Champions League final. The Jaish defence neglected to follow the run of Omar Abdulrahman and the UAE international had plenty of time to open the scoring and give Al Ain a unsalable lead.  

El Jaish fought their way back into the tie on the 67^th minute when a deflected Romarinho shot gave the soldiers a lifeline. The tie threatened to boil over at times and substitute Mohammed Methnani often at the centre of the action.

Eventually Jaish’s patient attacking play was rewarded with 81 minutes on the clock. A neat pass from Seidou Keita found Romarinho on the edge of the box who stroked the ball into the bottom left corner. Jaish where now 2-1 up on the night and had nine minutes plus stoppage time to take the tie to extra time.

Jaish threw everything at Ain in the final moments of the tie, yet couldn’t find the crucial goal to push the game into extra time. Mohammed Abdulrahman put the tie no doubt in stoppage time, making the game 2-2 on the night. The midfielder pounced on a rebounded shot to lead Ain to their third ever AFC Champions League final.