Al-Taawoun One Step Closer to AFC Champions League Final After Narrow Victory Over Sharjah

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Taawoun has taken a significant stride toward their first-ever AFC Champions League final after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the UAE’s Sharjah in the semifinal first leg on Tuesday. 

Moroccan midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri proved to be the hero, scoring the decisive goal just two minutes into the match at Wolves Park. The early strike set the tone for a tense encounter, with Al-Taawoun defending resolutely to maintain their slender advantage . 

The Emirati side pushed for an equalizer but struggled to break down Al-Taawoun’s disciplined backline.  The return fixture is set for April 15 in Sharjah, where the hosts must overturn the deficit to advance . 

This semifinal appearance marks a historic milestone for Al-Taawoun, who have never before reached this stage of Asia’s premier club competition. The club has defied expectations, leveraging strong home support and tactical discipline. 

Al-Taawoun will aim to finish the job in Sharjah, while the Emirati side must attack aggressively to keep their AFC Champions League dreams alive. With a potential final berth on the line, the second leg promises high drama.