AFCON 2025
Al Ahli etched their name in Asian football history on Saturday night, defeating Machida Zelvia 1-0 after extra time to retain the Asian Champions League Elite title in Jeddah.
The decisive moment came in the 96th minute when substitute Feras Al Buraikan struck from close range at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, sending the home crowd into celebration and sealing consecutive continental titles for the Saudi Pro League side.
Al Ahli’s victory was achieved under difficult circumstances after they were reduced to 10 men in the second half. Defender Zakaria Hawsawi was shown a straight red card in the 68th minute following an off-the-ball incident, leaving his team to withstand late pressure from the Japanese debutants.
Machida pushed to capitalize on the advantage, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy delivered a series of crucial saves, denying efforts from distance and close range to keep the game level.
Earlier, Al Ahli had threatened through Galeno, whose early attempt was kept out, while Merih Demiral came close just before halftime, seeing his effort cleared off the line before striking the crossbar.
Tensions escalated further late in regulation time, with Al Ahli also losing a member of their bench after Mohammed Abdulrahman was sent off.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in extra time when Riyad Mahrez delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post. Franck Kessie inadvertently directed the ball into the path of Al Buraikan, who made no mistake from close range.
The win marks the first successful title defence in the competition since Al Ittihad achieved the feat in 2005, further underlining Al Ahli’s growing dominance in Asian football.
With the triumph, the club also secures qualification for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup later this year as well as the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Coached by Matthias Jaissle, Al Ahli held firm in the closing stages to complete a historic continental double.
