In a thrilling encounter at home, Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli surged to the top of the West Zone in the AFC Champions League Elite after a commanding 4-2 victory over Qatari side Al Gharafa. The win not only secured Al Ahli’s position at the summit but also ended Al Gharafa’s hopes of progressing to the last 16, paving the way for Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor to advance.
The match kicked off with high intensity as Al Gharafa were awarded a penalty just four minutes in when Matteo Dams handled the ball in the box. Former Real Madrid forward Joselu confidently converted the spot kick, giving the visitors an early lead.
Al Ahli responded swiftly. A perfectly timed long ball found Riyad Mahrez, who skillfully beat the offside trap and set up Ivan Toney. After his initial attempt was blocked, Toney made no mistake with the rebound, leveling the score.
The hosts took control when Roberto Firmino slid in to net their second goal, putting Al Ahli ahead. Just before halftime, a blunder by Al Gharafa’s goalkeeper Sergio Rico allowed Galeno’s powerful strike to slip through his hands, extending Al Ahli’s lead to 3-1.
The second half saw Al Gharafa’s Jamal Hamed concede a penalty after fouling Toney. Mahrez stepped up and coolly slotted home, making it 4-1 to the Saudis. Although Yacine Brahimi pulled one back for Al Gharafa with a penalty in the 80th minute, it was too little, too late for the visitors.
With this win, Al Ahli climbed three points clear of their Saudi rivals Al Hilal, who are set to face UAE’s Al Wasl on Tuesday night. Al Gharafa’s defeat meant their continental journey came to an end, while Al Ahli’s dominant performance solidified their status as serious contenders in the competition.
