Arab Contractors 2 - 0 Aberdeen

Aberdeen started the match in a 3-5-2 formation with Hart, Mair and Severin at the back and McNamara on the right of midfield with Foster on the left. Aberdeen were poor in the first half and never threatened at any stage while the Arab Contractor side were technically very good and knocked the ball about well. The final pass tended to let them down however.

Jimmy reverted to a 4-4-2 formation after the break as de Visscher replaced Foster and McNamara moved into the back four. The Dons found themselves a goal down within 30 seconds of the restart. Hart lost possession and Severin was then outpaced. Soutar made a fine stop from the first effort but Bouba was on hand to turn the ball into the net. The Dons managed to create a bit more in the second half without really threatening.

Miller replaced Lovell on the hour mark and he had a couple of good chances to get on the score sheet. The best was when he headed a Jamie Smith cross over the bar when it might have been better to steer the header back across the goal. Maguire then replaced Mackie with ten minutes to go, but as the Dons looked for an equaliser the Egyptians broke forward deep into injury time and Ihab added a second goal.

Jimmy was disappointed with the performance, but it is probably understandable after such a long flight on Monday. He will be hoping that the squad will be more acclimatised come the second game on Saturday. In the earlier match in this group hosts, El Itthad were defeated 2-1 by Al Aluminum.