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Al-Ain beat Shenzhen Jianlibao 6-0 in semi first leg
Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates demolished China's Shenzhen 6-0 in their opening AFC Champions League semi-final leg in Al-Ain on Wednesday.
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 09:49 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Al-Ain, UAE:
Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates demolished China's Shenzhen 6-0 in their opening AFC Champions League semi-final leg in Al-Ain on Wednesday. The size of the win all but assures the 2003 inaugural Asian Champions League winners a place in the final, although there is still a second leg match to play on October 12 in Shenzhen. However the defeat more than likely ends a magical run through the Champions League for Shenzhen, who have made it to the semi-finals despite sitting only four places from the bottom of China's Super League. Looking for a return trip to the Asian Champions League final, 2003 winners Al-Ain hosted surprise semifinalists Shenzhen in the opening leg. The home side were on top from the start, Al-Ain opening their account just four minutes in when Subait Al-Mekhaini cut down the right wing and blasted a left-footed shot that beat keeper Li Lei Lei for a 1-0 lead. Six minutes later, Al-Ain were two ahead when Abdulla Al-Shamisi crossed to Nwoha Onyekachi, who then headed the ball home. Shenzhen had a 12-minute respite before Nwoha Onyekachi stung them again by knocking in the ball from Subait Al-Mekhaini. After just 22 minutes Al-Ain were now 3-0 ahead. But that was not to be the end of it. Shenzhen goalkeeper Li Lei Lei had none to blame but himself when the home side got their fourth goal of the night after 28 minutes. He was caught out of place and easily beaten by Shehab Al-Oulaqi, who gave Al-Ain a 4-0 lead that they took to the break. The visitors did not fair better in the second half. After 77 minutes, Nwoha Onyekachi was at it again, getting his hat trick when Lule Tejada muscled a ball to him on the edge of the area and Onyekachi blasted a shot into the left side of the net to make it 5-0. Four minutes later, Subait Al-Mekhaini added his second of the match on this free kick from 25 yards, giving Al-Ain a 6-0 lead. That was the result at the final whistle, leaving Shenzhen a massive task in the second leg if they are to progress to the final of this competition. (AP)Topics mentioned in this article
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