The Future Falcons hosted Portuguese side FC Porto, and succumbed to a loss by two goals to nil at the programme’s headquarters in the city of Salou, as part of Group 4 of Al Abtal Cup.
The match got off to a ferocious start, and the physical battle between the two sides continued throughout the first half, with each team attempting to dominate possession. However, neither side managed to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes despite a few chances being created, such as when Hamed Adam found himself one-on-one with the Porto goalkeeper Kiko, who successfully saved the Saudi player’s shot.
The contest remained fiercely competitive into the second half, with both teams taking turns in launching attacks on the opposition. However, the Portuguese side managed to get the better of proceedings in the closing minutes. In the 79th minute, Tavares broke the deadlock by calmly slotting home after a goalmouth scramble.
Then, in stoppage time, Porto won a corner. Off the resulting cross, Edu rose highest to head the ball home, sealing a crucial goal for the Portuguese side—one that secured their qualification for the next round at the expense of their group rivals Inter Milan.
