Al-Ahli Crowned New Kings of Asian Champions League Elite
Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli ended a long drought in major tournament triumphs, particularly on the continental stage, by clinching the revamped AFC Elite Champions League title with a historic 2-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday.
In a night to remember at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, known as the 'Shining Jewel,' Brazilian forward Galeno and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié scored in a dramatic final that marked a turning point for the Jeddah-based club.
Thousands of jubilant Al-Ahli fans turned the stadium into a sea of green, celebrating their team's return to continental glory. The win not only revived memories of past successes for the club, nicknamed the 'Castle of Trophies,' but also gave Saudi football a fresh milestone—securing the first title in the competition's new format.
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, crowned Al-Ahli as champions of the new-look AFC Elite Champions League on Saturday night, alongside Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who presented gold medals to the victorious players and silver medals to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale.
Al-Ahli entered the final with a star-studded lineup featuring goalkeeper Edouard Mendy; defenders Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibañez and Ezgjan Alioski; midfielders Ziyad Al-Juhani, Franck Kessié, and Riyad Mahrez; and an attacking trio of Galeno, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney.
The first half unfolded as a tense and tactical affair, with both sides probing cautiously until the 35th minute. Then, Brazilian winger Galeno electrified the home crowd with a clever low strike that broke the deadlock, beating Kawasaki's goalkeeper and swinging momentum decisively in Al-Ahli's favor.
Riding the wave of home support, Al-Ahli struck again just seven minutes later. Galeno turned provider with a pinpoint cross that Kessié met with a powerful header to double the lead in the 42nd minute, sending the stadium into raptures.
In the second half, Kawasaki came out pressing hard for a comeback, but the Saudi side refused to sit back. Al-Ahli launched a series of quick counterattacks from the wings and through the middle, forcing their Japanese opponents to split focus between defense and attack.
Despite Kawasaki's relentless efforts to breach the Saudi backline, Al-Ahli's defense stood firm until the final whistle, sealing a famous night for the Jeddah club and a significant milestone for Saudi football.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia will again host several major world motorsport championships it has been confirmed, with 2026 dates announced by international governing body, the FIA. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend will take place on Jeddah's street circuit from April 17-19, with the 24 cars running on 100 percent sustainable fuel. The news was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, chaired by the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Three other F1 world championship rounds will also be held in the Middle East — in Bahrain from April 10-12, Qatar from Nov. 27-29, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 4-6. The Kingdom will also once more stage back-to-back races in Jeddah as part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, from Feb. 13-14, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will be held in the Middle East to coincide with the F1 races on 13-14 February, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will form part of the F1 weekends in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The Dakar Rally again kicks off the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, from Jan. 3-17, while the Rally du Maroc takes place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from Nov. 22-27. Bahrain will represent the Middle East as part of the 10-round F3 calendar. Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week. 'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race shows the passion and dedication of our community.' The World Council also approved one of the final pieces of a compelling puzzle that will mark the start of a new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027. The rules have been undergoing final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of the regulations. To this end, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but manufacturers and constructors have freedom within it to scale and integrate wide-ranging designs. This means cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, crossovers and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the 10-year regulation cycle through to 2037.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Australia qualify for 2026 World Cup
PARIS: Australia booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia
JEDDAH: On the eve of Saudi Arabia's crucial closing match against Australia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad and stressed the importance of victory, despite the heavy odds against securing automatic qualification for the finals in North America next year. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: 'We are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification). 'We have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win. 'We're excited for this match. Some think we're already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It's very important to win (on Tuesday).' Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, sit in second place in Group C on 16 points, three ahead of the Saudis, and their superior goal difference means they need only avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their seventh-consecutive appearance at the World Cup. Japan top the group and have already secured qualification. Saudi Arabia and fourth-place Indonesia are guaranteed places in the play-offs, in which six teams will fight it out for the last three qualification spots. Renard emphasized the need for focus and preparation ahead of Tuesday's game. 'We have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,' he said. 'I'll do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.' The Green Falcons take on Australia at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and fans were invited to take up the offer of free entry to the match.
