Al Nassr FC saw them storm into the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 final after a commanding 5-1 victory over Al Ahli SC in the semi-final at Zabeel Stadium, Dubai.
On a night filled with intensity, drama, and attacking brilliance, it was Kingsley Coman who stole the spotlight, delivering a sensational hat-trick to keep Jorge Jesus’ side firmly on course for continental glory.
The semi-final exploded into life from the first whistle. Driss Fettouhi came close early for Al Ahli, while at the other end Sadio Mane was denied by a sharp save from Marwan Sherif after being set through by Joao Felix.
Al Ahli were handed a golden opportunity in the fifth minute when Inigo Martinez brought down Erik Exposito inside the box. However, Julian Draxler saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Bento Krepski—a moment that would prove pivotal.
Despite the setback, Al Ahli struck first in the 10th minute through Sekou Yansane, who finished clinically after a precise diagonal ball from Fettouhi.
But Al Nassr responded almost instantly. Less than two minutes later, Mane orchestrated a slick attacking move, releasing Angelo Gabriel, who unselfishly teed up Coman to equalize.
Coman thought he had doubled his tally minutes later, only for VAR to intervene and rule out the goal due to a foul by Marcelo Brozovic in the build-up.
The Saudi side’s attacking pressure finally paid off in the 23rd minute when Angelo turned from provider to scorer, finishing with composure after another incisive Mane pass.
Al Ahli had chances to fight back before the break—Draxler denied by a heroic block from Abdulelah Al Amri, while Fettouhi rattled the crossbar—but their missed opportunities proved costly.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, a costly error from Fettouhi gifted Coman his second goal, sending Al Nassr into halftime with a commanding lead.
The second half saw Al Nassr tighten their grip. Cristiano Ronaldo came close, while Mane struck the post as the Saudi side pushed for more.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Coman completed his hat-trick in style—latching onto Angelo’s through ball, gliding past defenders, and finishing with precision into the far corner.
Substitute Abdullah Al Hamddan added the fifth goal late on, capping a five-star performance and underlining Al Nassr’s attacking depth.
The emphatic victory sends Al Nassr into the final, where they will face Japan’s Gamba Osaka on May 16.
With momentum, firepower, and confidence on their side, Jorge Jesus’ men now stand just one step away from becoming the first Saudi club to lift the AFC Champions League Two title.
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