The Future Falcons secured a vital victory over Ajax with a 3-2 win in Group B of the Al Abtal Cup.
After an even start to the match, in the 9th minute, Ajax Amsterdam took the lead after their stricker, Ferreira, broke through on goal and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. However, the Future Falcons responded quickly through Ali Qazwani, who got on the end of a Marwan Al Yami cross from the right side and calmly slotted the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 13th minute.
In the 32nd minute, Ajax regained the lead with a goal from Wazan, who capitalised on a cross from the right wing. However, the equaliser came quickly once again, this time just two minutes later, when Adel Alharthi struck a clever shot, deceiving the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. With that, the first half ended with the scores even at two goals a piece..
The second half started with both sides coming out of the blocks with a high intensity. Ajax’ Ferreira struck a powerful shot that narrowly missed the Future Falcons’ goal. Then, in the 53rd minute, Tamim Al Khaldi scored the third goal for the Saudi team after an inch-perfect pass from Ali Qazwani. Tamim calmly rounded the goalkeeper and finished with ease. Ajax had a chance to equalise with a shot from inside the penalty area, but goalkeeper Alshammari made a brilliant save.
In the 59th minute, both Adel Alharthi, for the Future Falcons, and Ben Taleb, for Ajax, received red cards. Ajax attempted to respond by trying to take more control of the ball and pushing on looking for a goal. In doing so, they created a few half chances, but their strikers were unable to convert. The full-time whistle came an match ended with a crucial victory for the Future Falcons, who strengthened their position in Group B.
