Al Ahli Retain Asian Crown After Tense Final in Jeddah
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Al Ahli Saudi retained the AFC Champions League Elite title after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan’s Machida Zelvia in a final that needed extra time to decide the champion in Jeddah.
The decisive moment came in the 96th minute, when Feras Al-Brikan scored the only goal of the match after a move involving Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie. It was enough to give Al Ahli a second consecutive continental title and another major night in front of their home supporters.
The victory did not come easily. Al Ahli were reduced to ten men after Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off in the second half, forcing the Saudi side to play under heavy pressure for the rest of the match and extra time.
Machida Zelvia, appearing in a major Asian final after a strong continental run, kept the game tight and tested Al Ahli’s resilience. But the Japanese side could not turn its numerical advantage into a goal, while Al Ahli found the one chance that changed the match.
The result gives Al Ahli a historic place in Asian club football, as the Jeddah club became one of the few teams to defend the continental title in the modern era. It also strengthens Saudi football’s growing presence in major Asian competitions.
For Al Ahli, the final was not only about lifting another trophy. It was a test of patience, discipline, and character, and the team passed it on one of the biggest nights of its season.
