Nassr held by Taawoun, miss out on AFC Elite qualification
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Al Nassr's hopes of qualifying for next season's AFC Champions League Elite officially ended on Friday night, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Al Taawoun in Round 32 of the Saudi Pro League at Al Awwal Park.
Despite dominating large spells of the match, Nassr failed to convert their momentum into three points, settling for a draw that lifts them to 64 points in fourth place — one point behind third-placed Al Qadsiah and seven adrift of runners-up Al Hilal, who have now mathematically secured the league's second AFC Elite qualification spot.
With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, Sultan Al Ghanam led the team as captain, while Portuguese midfielder Otavio opened the scoring for the hosts with a tidy finish in the 51st minute.
But Al Taawoun responded in the 70th minute, as Colombian forward Roger Martínez netted the equalizer to earn his side a hard-fought point, taking their tally to 42 points and consolidating eighth position.
The result leaves Al Nassr with two games left to play but little at stake, as they are now locked out of continental competition for next season.
Al Taawoun, meanwhile, continue their steady campaign with mid-table stability secured.
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