AC Milan defeated Aspire Academy 5-4 on penalties to take in a low-key encounter that finished 1-1 in normal time, giving the Italian side seventh place in the Al Kass International Cup.
Milan were almost ahead on seven minutes when Daniel Maldini found space inside the area to the left of goal, but his powerful rising shot was beaten away by Mahmoud Abunada. The young keeper, who has been in fine form throughout Al Kass 2018, then showed great awareness to deny Riccardo Tonin from close range.
As the game reached the midway point of the first half, Milan were playing the more composed football, stringing a series of intelligent moves together but still lacking a cutting edge up front.
However, on 27 minutes, they were awarded a penalty when Aspire midfielder Naif Alhadhrami was adjudged to have shoved Riccardo Martimbianco as they tussled for possession in the area. Tonin’s hard and low spot kick went straight down the middle, and Milan were in front.
The Italians were good value for their lead at this stage, having dominated possession and kept Aspire largely confined to their own half.
As the second half commenced, Aspire upped their game as they sought a route back into the match, and a chance arrived on the hour, when Ahmed Alganehi was upended 25 yards from goal in a central position. The classy forward picked himself up and took the resultant free kick, producing a magnificent effort that curled into the left corner, leaving keeper Niccolo’ Zanellato with no chance.
There was nothing to separate the sides at full time, and a penalty shootout ensued. The first five kicks were all converted, and then Zanellato saved well from Aspire’s Mohamed al-Naimi. It meant that Tonin, with Milan’s fifth, was required to repeat his feat from earlier in the game to secure victory, which he did with a minimum of fuss.
AC Milan goalkeeper Niccolo Zanellato makes a save during the match against Aspire Academy yesterday.
