JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Defending champions Al Ahli advanced to the final of the AFC Champions League Elite following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan’s Vissel Kobe, thanks to a goal from Ivan Toney in the second half.
In the final set for this Saturday in Jeddah, Al Ahli will take on either Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates or Japan’s Machida Zelvia, who are set to clash on Tuesday.
Al Ahli, who had fallen behind when Vissel Kobe’s Yuya Osako directed a free kick into the path of Yushinori Muto for a close-range finish in the 32nd minute, managed to rally back. Just before halftime, Rayad Hamad almost equalized, hitting the post with a header, and Toney narrowly missed with a backheel attempt shortly after.
Five minutes into the second half, Toney found the back of the net but it was disallowed for offside after a low strike from inside the area. Vissel Kobe nearly increased their lead soon after, as a shot from Daiju Sasaki ricocheted off the crossbar.
In the 62nd minute, Al Ahli leveled the match when Brazilian winger Galeno scored with a stunning curling shot from 25 meters. Toney then put his team ahead eight minutes later, capitalizing on a rebound from the goalkeeper to score from a crowded area.
Riyad Mahrez thought he had extended the lead with 15 minutes to go, but the former Manchester City star’s goal was ruled out for offside.