Nejmeh draw squanders control of title race.

Summary: Nejmeh failed to take top spot in the league standings after drawing 1-1 with Ahed, and in the process handed the advantage back to rivals Safa.

BEIRUT: Nejmeh failed to take top spot in the league standings after drawing 1-1 with Ahed, and in the process handed the advantage back to rivals Safa.

The match kicked off in frantic fashion, and within seconds Ahed talisman Ahmad Zreik, conjured up the first chance of the game with his long-range effort stinging the palms of Nejmeh goalkeeper Mohammad Dikramanjeh.

The game continued to ebb and flow with both clubs sharing possession, and looking equally dangerous in spurts. On 24 minutes Zreik found himself through on goal, but his subsequent touch let him down, allowing the Nejmeh defenders to retrieve the ball and possession

On 36 minutes, Nejmeh had a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock when an expert cross found front man Akram Moghrabi unmarked in the box. His downward header was saved by Mohammad Hammoud, and when the rebound fell into his path, Moghrabi missed again, this time at point-blank range.

Three minutes later, and once again Nejmeh's goal-mouth wastefulness was a key issue. This time Ali Hamam was the culprit, as he managed to crash his free header against the post. Nejmeh's profligacy would rear its ugly head, and they would soon be reprimanded.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 42 minutes, when a wonder ball set Zreik free on goal. The menacing Ahed forward took a touch to his right and skillfully placed the ball right of keeper Dikramanjeh and into the bottom corner.

Following the restart, Nejmeh SC would enter the game with a new found drive and tenacity. And their excursions bore fruit when on 50 minutes they equalized the game with a splendid goal. Hussein Hamdan marauded down the right flank and curled in an inviting cross. Hasan Mohammad capitalized by superbly volleying into the top corner past the grounded Hammoud.

Following their goal, Nejmeh brought on cult hero Moussa Hojeij in an effort to steady the ship. The substitution seemed to attain the desired effect, as Nejmeh proceeded to play controlled and organized football. Ahed on the other hand looked shaken and out of sorts.

Nejmeh's assault on goal and territorial advantage continued throughout most of the second half. They prodded and probed, throwing the kitchen sink at the Ahed defense. But following their wonderful equalizer, the team from Manara failed to muster any noteworthy chances, and the game petered out to the disappointment of all associated with Nejmeh SC.

Following the draw, Nejmeh face the charge of defeating Safa in the final showdown, as only a win will see them lift the league title.

Copyright 2012, The Daily Star. All rights reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company