Al Ahli came within seconds of claiming a famous friendly victory against a star-studded Internazionale on Wednesday only for forward Stevan Jovetic to equalise from a penalty deep into injury time.

The Red Knights led for the majority against their esteemed hosts after Lima’s fine early opener, pushing a team featuring the likes of Geoffrey Kondogbia, Mauro Icardi and Gary Medel to breaking point. A heralded win was within their grasp until Manchester City loanee Jovetic was felled, stepping up to convert himself from 12 yards.

Cosmin Olaroiu’s men can take huge positives from the 1-1 stalemate at the Nerazzurri’s Riscone training camp, the main one being the budding relationship between their new Brazilian centre forward and compatriot Everton Ribeiro.

Their first-half combination was a joy to behold. A look-away flick from Lima – who has scored four goals in three games since his €7 million (Dh28m) move from Benfica – sent his colleague racing clear from the halfway line, the Canarinho playmaker then returning the favour for the striker to fire home.

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Meanwhile, a flare-up between superstar playmaker Omar Abdulrahman and coach Zlatko Dalic soured a much-improved display from Al Ain as they drew 0-0 against Xavi’s Al Sadd.

Abdulrahman, 23, did not take kindly to the decision to remove him following an altercation with Muriqui on 73 minutes. He petulantly brushed off his boss as he trudged to the sidelines in Austria, kicking water bottles in frustration.

The result ended a three-match losing streak for the Boss, who saw new boys Emmanuel Emenike, Ryan Babel and Fellipe Bastos miss glaring chances.