Al Ahli SC secured a 3-1 victory over Al Hussein SC in the Quarter-Final clash at Zabeel Stadium, Dubai. Sealing their place in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 semi-finals.
The former Germany international stole the spotlight with a stunning goal directly from a corner — a decisive moment that tilted the contest firmly in the Qatari side’s favour.
Al Ahli wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead in just the second minute through Erik Exposito, who met Draxler’s lofted delivery with a clinical diving header.
However, Al Hussein responded with resilience. In the 21st minute, Yousef Qashi reacted quickest to a rebound off the post to level the score at 1-1, reigniting the contest.
With the match finely poised, Draxler delivered the defining moment in the 65th minute.
From a seemingly routine corner, the German midfielder bent the ball directly towards goal, catching goalkeeper Yazeed Abdulaila off guard as it curled into the net — a goal of rare technique and vision.
Al Hussein pushed for an equaliser late on, but Al Ahli held firm. In stoppage time, a foul inside the box handed the Qatari side a penalty, which Michel Vlap calmly converted to secure a convincing 3-1 result.
The victory sets up a high-profile semi-final clash against Saudi giants Al Nassr FC, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The winner of that encounter will advance to face Gamba Osaka in the final — raising the stakes even higher in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
Credit Photo : AFC
