Islamabad, 30 April 2025: Al Ahli moved one step closer to their first continental title with a 3-1 win over domestic rivals Al Hilal in the semi-final of the Asian Champions League Elite.
The result confirmed their place in Saturday’s final, where they will face either Al Nassr or Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Al Ahli started strong, with Roberto Firmino scoring in the ninth minute after meeting a low cross from Galeno, set up by a pass from Roger Ibañez.
Eighteen minutes later, Ivan Toney doubled the lead after rounding Yassine Bounou and finishing calmly. Though flagged offside initially, the goal stood following a VAR review.
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Despite being second-best for most of the first half, Al Hilal pulled one back just before the break.
A loose ball off Franck Kessié’s interception fell kindly for Salem Al-Dawsari, who rifled his shot past Édouard Mendy to make it 2-1.
Al Hilal’s task became significantly harder on the hour mark when defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a second yellow card for a foul on Ibañez, leaving the four-time champions down to ten men.
Al Ahli continued to press for a third goal, with Firmino and Galeno both hitting the post.
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The game could have taken a dramatic turn when Franck Kessié had the chance to score from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, but Bounou kept his side in the contest with a vital save.
However, Al Hilal’s hopes were dashed in added time when substitute Feras Al-Brikan scored a third for Al Ahli, capitalising on the visitors’ desperate push for an equaliser.
Head coach Matthias Jaissle praised the team’s unity and the support from the home fans, describing the performance as “totally deserved.”
With the win, Al Ahli remain in pursuit of a long-awaited Asian crown, having lost finals in both 1986 and 2012.
