Al Ahli Saudi, a club from Saudi Arabia made a history edge champions for the first time after beating Kawasaki Frontale, a club from Japan scoring 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 Final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
Al Ahli nearly struck early, with Ivan Toney testing Louis Yamaguchi in the fifth minute. The Kawasaki goalkeeper was then called into action again moments later, pulling off a crucial save to deny Ziyad Al Johani from point-blank range.
Though rattled, Frontale showed resilience and sought to replicate their counter-attacking success from the semi-final win over Al Nassr. In the 11th minute, Yuki Yamamoto released Marchinio, whose clever dribble ended with a stinging shot that forced Eduoard Mendy into a sharp save.
Despite the back-and-forth exchanges, it was Al Ahli who maintained control. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute, when Brazilian winger Galeno produced a moment of individual brilliance. Latching onto a pass from Roberto Firmino, Galeno curled a stunning effort from outside the box, looping the ball over Yamaguchi to give Al Ahli a deserved lead.
Only four minutes later, Al Ahli struck again. A lightning-fast counterattack saw Firmino turn provider once more, delivering a pinpoint cross that Franck Kessié met with a powerful header to make it 2-0 and put the home fans into raptures.
With a two-goal deficit to chase, Kawasaki pushed forward after the break. However, Al Ahli’s defence, marshaled by a resolute backline and the commanding presence of Mendy, absorbed wave after wave of Japanese pressure.
The best opportunity for the visitors came in the 57th minute when Yasuto Wakizaka floated a dangerous ball into the box, only for Sai van Wermeskerken to head wide. Substitute Tatsuya Ito came close in the 76th minute but failed to convert from promising positions.
Despite their efforts, Frontale were ultimately unable to break down a disciplined and determined Al Ahli side.
As the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted across Jeddah. Al Ahli’s triumph not only marks their first AFC Champions League Elite title but also cements Saudi Arabia’s growing dominance in Asian club football.
This historic victory, powered by marquee players like Firmino, Kessié, and Mendy, is a testament to Al Ahli’s transformation into a continental powerhouse.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
