Late heartbreak for Mahrez and Bounedjah as Al Shamal fall to Esteghlal in Asia
Riyad Mahrez and Baghdad Bounedjah’s Qatari side Al Shamal suffered a late blow in the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier club competition, losing 1-0 to Iranian club Esteghlal in Basra, Iraq, on Tuesday 3 November. Jasir Asani scored the only goal of the West Zone Matchday 4 clash in stoppage time.
Algerian duo kept quiet
Both Algeria internationals started up front, but neither could find a way past a well-organised Esteghlal defence. Bounedjah created several openings without beating the Iranian goalkeeper, and just as the game looked set to finish goalless, Asani struck at the death.
It was a sharp turnaround from the previous round, when Al Shamal beat Saudi giants Al Hilal 3-1 at Al Bayt Stadium. Bounedjah scored that night and Mahrez provided two assists. This first defeat of the campaign leaves Al Shamal on 5 points from four games.
Key numbers
- Score: Esteghlal 1-0 Al Shamal
- Goal: Jasir Asani (stoppage time)
- Al Shamal’s record: 1 win, 2 draws, 1 defeat (5 points)
A new chapter for Mahrez
The former Manchester City and Leicester City winger joined Al Shamal as a free agent in mid-October after three seasons at Saudi club Al Ahli, teaming up with fellow Desert Fox Bounedjah — the Desert Foxes being the nickname of Algeria’s national team.
What’s next?
Matchday 5 on 23 November brings a reunion for Mahrez: Al Shamal host Al Ahli, his former club.
Sources: AFC, Persian Football, Qatar Tribune, Reuters / The Star