Al-Wehda 3:2 Al-Shabab — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Darwin Gonzalez struck in the final minute of extra time as Al-Wehda edged out Al-Shabab 3-2 in a King's Cup Round of 32 thriller that swung on a red card and a late VAR intervention. The hosts trailed twice, equalised in the first minute of stoppage time through Morato, and snatched victory at the death to book their place in the next round.

The turning point arrived on 33 minutes when Carlos Junior saw a second yellow for Al-Shabab, reducing the visitors to ten men with the match still goalless. Mourad Khudari put Al-Wehda ahead on 43 minutes from Saad Al Qahtani's assist, but Yannick Carrasco levelled on 56. Morato's 91st-minute header from Saif Al Amri's cross forced extra time, where Josh Brownhill restored Al-Shabab's lead on 114 only for Darwin Gonzalez to win it in the 120th minute after VAR had intervened.

Al-Wehda fired 26 shots to Al-Shabab's 18 and won the corner count 9-8, though the visitors controlled possession 51-49 and dominated the first half on the ball. Al-Shabab outplayed their hosts for long spells yet paid for their indiscipline, while Al-Wehda's relentless pressure eventually told. Mohammed Al-Mahasneh earned a 9.1 rating in goal for Al-Shabab, his performance the standout despite defeat. CheckLive's model clearly favoured Al-Shabab, but the result failed to confirm that read.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Al-Wehda vs Al-Shabab?

Al-Wehda 3-2 Al-Shabab (King's Cup, Round of 32).

Who scored?

Mourad Khudari (43', assist Saad Al Qahtani) for Al-Wehda; Yannick Carrasco (56') for Al-Shabab; Morato (91', assist Saif Al Amri) for Al-Wehda; Josh Brownhill (114') for Al-Shabab; Darwin Gonzalez (120') for Al-Wehda.

Was Al-Wehda's win deserved?

Not really — the opponent was the better side; Al-Wehda won on finishing.

Were there any red cards in Al-Wehda vs Al-Shabab?

Yes — sent off: Carlos Junior (Al-Shabab, 33'); Morato (Al-Wehda, 120').

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