In a spectacular showdown at the pulsating King Abdullah Sports City stadium, Ahli Jeddah secured the coveted AFC Champions League title by defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0. The victory was witnessed by a roaring crowd of over 52,000, marking a historic night for Saudi football.
The excitement kicked off in the 35th minute when Ahli’s Brazilian ace, Galinho, unleashed a thunderous shot from beyond the penalty area, opening the scoring with style. As the clock ticked towards halftime, Ivorian powerhouse Frank Kessié doubled Al Ahli’s lead with a masterfully executed header, giving the home team a commanding advantage.
Ahli Jeddah’s journey to the final was marked by their decisive 3-1 victory over fierce domestic rivals Al Hilal in the semi-finals. On the other hand, Kawasaki Frontale earned their spot in this ultimate clash by edging out Al Nassr FC 3-2 in another thrilling semi-final encounter.
Adding to the celebrations, Al Ahli’s Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino was awarded the title of Best Player of the AFC Champions League, a first in his illustrious career. Firmino’s performance throughout the tournament has been nothing short of phenomenal, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net and leading his team to glory.
Expert analyst and former Saudi national team coach, Sami Al Jaber, praised Ahli’s tactical prowess and individual performances. “Ahli Jeddah demonstrated strategic excellence and teamwork. Their ability to capitalize on key moments made all the difference in this high-stakes match,” Al Jaber commented.
