Under the floodlights at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Al Ahli stunned rivals Al Hilal with a 3-1 victory to book their spot in the AFC Champions League Elite final. The Jeddah club, effectively playing at home in the port city, now chase Asia's top club trophy.
Brazilian captain Roberto Firmino drew first blood in the 9th minute, racing onto a cutback from winger Galeno to fire home his sixth goal of the tournament. Fans around the globe tuned in as Firmino showcased the instincts that once lit up Anfield.
Just before the half-hour mark, summer signing Ivan Toney doubled the lead. Riyad Mahrez threaded a defense-splitting pass, leaving the English forward one-on-one with Al Hilal keeper Yassine Bounou. Toney's calm finish drew him level with Firmino on six goals.
Al Hilal responded three minutes before halftime when captain Salem Al Dawsari pounced on a loose touch to net his 10th goal of the campaign. The goal put Al Dawsari one ahead in the scoring charts, underscoring his status as one of Asia's most lethal finishers.
The second half saw drama at both ends: Toney hit the post and had two goals chalked off for offside, Firmino and Galeno came close, and a red card for Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly turned up the pressure.
A late penalty miss by Franck Kessie, saved by Bounou, left Al Hilal with hope. But substitute Feras Al Buraikan sealed the result in stoppage time, maintaining Al Ahli's perfect record in this season's competition.
With an unbeaten run and a mix of global stars and local heroes, Al Ahli await either Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr or Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in Saturday's final. Can they cap an undefeated campaign with Asia's top prize?
Reference(s):
Firmino, Toney, Al Buraikan lead Al Ahli to AFC Champions League final
cgtn.com
