BURAIDAH — Al Taawoun FC kept their AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 title hopes alive with a nerve-wracking 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Tractor FC at Wolves Park on Tuesday, after their quarter-final clash ended 2-2 on aggregate. The Saudi side showcased resilience, bouncing back from an early deficit to force extra time before holding their nerve in the shootout to book a spot in the semi-finals. Backed by a passionate home crowd, Al Taawoun dictated possession early, but their final touch was lacking. Musa Barrow squandered two promising opportunities, first with a tame shot in the 16th minute, and again in the 30th minute, both comfortably saved by Alireza Beiranvand. Tractor, meanwhile, had their first real chance in the 19th minute, when Tomislav Strkalj's strike forced Abdulquddus Atiiay into a reflex save. Mehdi Torabi slotted in the rebound, but the goal was ruled offside. The half ended in controversy as Al Taawoun were denied a penalty after a VAR review overturned an apparent foul on Barrow by Beiranvand. The second half ignited just two minutes in when Tractor were awarded a penalty after René Rivas was adjudged to have handled the ball. Ricardo Alves calmly sent Atiiay the wrong way to give the visitors the lead. Al Taawoun responded swiftly, with Barrow finally making his mark in the 54th minute, cutting inside and unleashing a curling strike from outside the box that flew past a diving Beiranvand to level the score. Despite relentless pressure, Al Taawoun failed to capitalize on their momentum, with Barrow and Abdelhamid Sabiri missing key chances, forcing the game into extra time. Sultan Mandash, who had been subbed in 10 minutes before the end of regulation, wasted no time in extra time, latching onto a free-kick from Aschraf El Mahdioui, rounding the keeper, and slamming home to put Al Taawoun ahead. Tractor fought back, finding a 105th-minute equalizer through Domagoj Drozdek, who headed in a precise cross from Danial Esmaeilifar, sending the match to penalties. In the shootout, Tractor faltered, with Mehdi Shiri blasting his effort over the bar and Sajjad Ashouri having his attempt saved by Atiiay. Al Taawoun converted all their penalties, sealing their place in the semi-finals as they continue their bid for the title.
