Saeed Juma came off the substitutes’ bench and converted the winning penalty as Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club pulled off an epic quarter-final victory against neighbours Al Nasr in the President’ Cup.
In a tense clash at Al Wasl’s Zabeel Stadium, all the drama was saved for the final throes. Replacement Mohamed Al Akbari rounded goalkeeper Majed Nasser in the 79th minute and blasted into an open goal, via the crossbar, to put the Blue Wave in front.
The 2014/15 champions, however, could not hold out and Moldova forward Henruque Luvannor scored an 89th-minute spot-kick, on the rebound, to earn extra time.
Chances then came and went prior to a shootout in which 25-year-old Juma registered the winning effort.
Elsewhere on Saturday night, Sharjah remain on course for a remarkable double after defender Abdullah Ghanem produced a scruffy extra-time header to earn a 2-1 win against valiant Emirates Club at Fujairah Stadium.
The unbeaten Arabian Gulf League leaders went ahead in style during the 13th minute, through Cape Verde winger Ryan Mendes control and low finish. Victory was then snatched from them when midfielder Hossam Loutfy pounced from close range in the 94th minute.
Ghanem then had the decisive touch after a goalmouth scramble.