Al-Ahli advances to AFC Champions League round of 16
JEDDAH, Feb 18: Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli secured a 4-2 victory against Qatar's Al-Gharafa in the eighth and final round of the Western Region League stage in the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League for the Elite.
Al-Gharafa took the lead early in the match at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City with a penalty goal from Spanish striker Joselu. However, Al-Ahly responded swiftly, scoring three goals in the first half through English forward Ivan Toney, Brazilian winger Galeno, and Roberto Firmino.
In the second half, Riyad Mahrez extended Al-Ahli's lead with a well-executed penalty in the 59th minute, while Yacine Brahimi pulled one back for Al-Gharafa with another penalty in the 80th minute.
With this win, Al-Ahli temporarily tops the Western Region League stage standings with 22 points, securing a place in the round of 16 alongside the top eight teams.
In other matches, Iraq's Al-Shorta defeated UAE's Al-Ain 2-0, Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor edged past Qatar's Al-Sadd 2-1, while Saudi Al-Nassr and Iran's Persepolis played to a goalless draw.
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