Al-Ahli Triumphs Over Al-Hilal 3-1 To Advance To AFC Champions League Final

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Al-Ahli secured a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite final with a 3-1 victory over Al-Hilal. Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney, both former Premier League players, were key in this triumph. Feras Al Brikan sealed the win after Kalidou Koulibaly's dismissal. This result marks Al-Ahli's second appearance in the final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2013.

Al-Ahli took an early lead when Firmino scored just nine minutes into the match. He skillfully finished Galeno's cross from the left wing. Toney doubled their advantage in the 27th minute, capitalising on a clever pass from Riyad Mahrez to round Yassine Bounou for a simple goal.

Mahrez played a pivotal role by assisting Toney's goal, marking his sixth consecutive match with a goal involvement in the competition. His contributions this season have reached 17 goals and assists combined, equalling Muriqui's record set for Guangzhou in 2013.

Despite being outplayed in the first half, Al-Hilal managed to score just before halftime. Salem Al Dawsari capitalised on a loose ball to score past Edouard Mendy. However, this goal did not spark a comeback for the reigning Saudi champions.

The situation worsened for Al-Hilal when Koulibaly received a second yellow card for fouling Roger Ibanez before the hour mark. This left them with ten players and struggling to regain control of the match.

Al-Ahli had a chance to extend their lead further when Hamad Al Yami fouled Mahrez, resulting in an 82nd-minute penalty. However, Franck Kessie's attempt was saved by Bounou, who dived to his right to deny him.

In stoppage time, Al Brikan ensured victory by scoring seven minutes into added time. This goal confirmed their place in the final against either Al-Nassr or Kawasaki.

This victory is significant for Al-Ahli as they aim to claim their first title after falling short against Ulsan Hyundai over a decade ago. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal missed out on reaching their sixth final despite having made it to this stage eight times before.