Saudi Arabia\'s Al Ahli secured top spot in the AFC Champions League Elite West Zone with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Qatar\'s Al Gharafa, sealing their place in the competition\'s last 16 and ending their opponents\' continental ambitions. The high-stakes clash saw star power and pivotal errors decide the outcome, shifting the regional football landscape.
Al Gharafa stunned the home crowd early as ex-Real Madrid striker Joselu converted a 4th-minute penalty, but Al Ahli equalized swiftly through Ivan Toney. Roberto Firmino\'s close-range strike then gave the Saudis a halftime lead they never relinquished. A goalkeeping error from Sergio Rico gifted Galeno Al Ahli\'s third before Riyad Mahrez sealed victory with a penalty. Yacine Brahimi\'s late spot-kick proved mere consolation for the Qataris.
The result elevates Al Ahli three points clear of Saudi rivals Al Hilal ahead of their final group match, while Uzbekistan\'s Pakhtakor snatches the West Zone\'s final knockout spot at Al Gharafa\'s expense. The dramatic finale highlights growing competitiveness in Asian club football as regional powerhouses jostle for continental supremacy.
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Al Ahli rise to top of West Zone, edge Al Gharafa out in ACL Elite
cgtn.com
