Defending champions Al Ahli Saudi into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Qatar’s Al Duhail SC at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
Al Ahli started the match aggressively, nearly capitalising on a defensive error in the 11th minute when Mahrez attempted to punish a misplaced clearance by Salah Zakaria, but the Al Duhail goalkeeper recovered quickly to gather the header.
Soon after, former Manchester City star Mahrez again threatened, while Ivan Toney tested Zakaria with a well-struck free kick from 20 yards that forced the keeper into a sharp save.
Despite Al Ahli’s early dominance, Al Duhail nearly struck first in the 24th minute. Benjamin Bourigeaud curled a free kick around the wall that rattled the post beyond Edouard Mendy.
The Qatari side continued to threaten before halftime, with Edmilson Junior forcing Mendy into a crucial save after bursting into the penalty area.
Both sides traded chances after the restart. Al Ahli defender Roger Ibanez unleashed a powerful long-range strike just over the bar before Zakaria denied Mahrez with a brilliant diving save.
At the other end, Mendy was called into action again to push away another dangerous effort from Bourigeaud as the intensity of the match continued to rise.
Late in regulation, Al Duhail came agonisingly close to a breakthrough when Adil Boulbina hammered a fierce shot against the woodwork, leaving both sides locked in a tense stalemate after 90 minutes.
The drama continued into extra time. Al Ahli appeared set to take the lead when referee Ma Ning awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Zakaria on Ziyad Al Johani.
However, Zakaria redeemed himself with a superb save, diving to his right to deny Toney from the spot.
Just when the tie seemed destined for penalties, Mahrez stepped forward with a moment of magic.
Standing 25 yards from goal, the Algerian curled a perfectly placed free kick beyond Zakaria and into the net, sending the home crowd into celebration and securing Al Ahli’s place in the last eight.
Mahrez’s decisive strike keeps Al Ahli firmly on track to defend their continental crown, while setting up a highly anticipated quarter-final clash with Johor Darul Ta’zim, who continue to represent Southeast Asia on the biggest club stage in Asian football.
Credit Photo : Al Ahli Saudi
