Sergio Conceicao's Al-Ittihad Triumphs 4-1 Over Al-Shorta in Asian Champions League

Baghdad, Oct 21 (AP) — Former AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao has secured his first victory at the helm of Saudi club Al-Ittihad, as they triumphed 4-1 over Iraq's Al-Shorta in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

After losing their opening two group matches in this season’s continental competition, the two-time champions found themselves trailing early in Baghdad when Bassam Shakir netted for Al-Shorta in the fifth minute.

However, Al-Ittihad responded with determination. Moussa Diaby equalized in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Mahamadou Doumbia following a midfield turnover. Former Liverpool star Fabinho then gave Al-Ittihad the lead in the 28th minute with a stunning free kick from approximately 25 meters out.

Al-Ittihad faced adversity early in the second half as Danilo Pereira received a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men. Nonetheless, Algeria international Houssem Aouar extended the lead on the hour mark with a clinical close-range finish, courtesy of a run by Diaby. Diaby and Aouar combined effectively once again in the 76th minute, with Diaby setting up Aouar to complete the scoring.

The victory lifts Al-Ittihad off the bottom of the 12-team western group. The top eight teams from each of the two geographically divided groups will progress to the knockout stage.

In other news, Jeddah rival Al-Ahli commands the top spot after the defending champions demolished Al-Gharafa of Qatar with a 4-0 victory, featuring two goals from former Milan and Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, along with strikes from Enzo Millot and Waheb Saleh.

Meanwhile, Al-Wahda of the United Arab Emirates claimed a 3-1 victory over Qatar's Al-Duhail, and Iranian champion Tractor overwhelmed Sharjah with a 5-0 win.

Competition will continue on Tuesday in both the western and eastern divisions.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)