Ittihad Kalba beat Al Nasr 2-1 at Al Maktoum Stadium to seal first leg advantage in the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-finals held under the slogan Hope Probe in conjunction with the arrival of the Hope probe to Mars’ orbit.
The Tigers missed an early chance to take the lead when Davide Mariani's effort was blocked by Al Nasr defender Mohamed Ayed.
Al Nasr were then dealt a huge blow after Mohamed Fawzi was shown a straight red card and Kalba were awarded a penalty only five minutes into the game. The Blues had to continue the rest of the game with 10 men only, while Peniel Mlapa converted from the spot to hand the guests a 1-0 lead.
It turned out to be an eventful half, as Kalba doubled their lead in the 18th minute. Mlapa turned from scorer to provider as he launched a quick counterattack before crossing to Nasir Abdelhadi who tapped past Al Nasr keeper Ahmed Shambih.
The Blues missed a chance to reduce the deficit from Caique Jesus attempt. Kalba keeper Jamal Abdulla was then called into action, as he blocked Diaa Saba's powerful effort in the 34th minute.
The hosts pressure eventually paid off when they were awarded a penalty after reviewing the VAR and Toze converted from the spot, as Kalba headed into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Kalba nearly made it 3-1 but Shambih pulled off a fine save to deny Majed Rashid in injury time, as the guests ensured they would return home with an advantage.
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