Historic Comeback Sends Al Wasl S.C. Into AFC Champions League Two Quarter-Finals

In a thrilling night of football at Zabeel Stadium on 18 February 2026, Al Wasl produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Emirati club history to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The UAE Pro League side faced a tough task against Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC after falling behind early in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie, but Al Wasl turned the tie on its head with a spirited second-half fightback.

A determined performance saw them overturn a two-goal deficit, securing a 4–2 win on the night and a 6–5 aggregate victory to continue their continental campaign.

Match Summary

• Early Setback: Al Zawraa took the lead in the first half, with Ibrahim Tomiwa finding the net in the 21st minute to put the Iraqi side ahead at halftime.
• Immediate Response: Al Wasl hit back straight after the break, as Palacios struck in the 46th minute to level the match and shift momentum back in favor of the hosts.
• Another Blow: Despite the comeback goal, Al Zawraa regained the lead through Tomiwa’s second, leaving Al Wasl with more work to do to stay alive in the tie.
• Raising the Intensity: The home side refused to back down and were rewarded when Miguel Borja equalized in the 76th minute, keeping Al Wasl’s hopes very much alive.
• Late Drama and Extra Time: With the aggregate score finely poised, Al Wasl produced late-match drama as Adryelson scored in stoppage time to send the game into extra time. He then completed his brace with a decisive goal in the 110th minute, sealing the victory and sending the Dubai club into the last eight of the competition.

What It Means

This comeback win highlights Al Wasl’s resilience and tactical belief, earning them progression in one of Asia’s most competitive club competitions. The victory also reinforces the club’s status as one of the UAE’s strongest sides on the continental stage.

Fans and pundits alike will remember this match as a pivotal moment in Al Wasl’s 2025/26 campaign — a night where determination overcame adversity in spectacular fashion.