Photo:Reuters

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Al-Ahli began their 2025 Asian Champions League campaign with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Uzbekistan’s Nasaf on Monday, thanks to stoppage-time heroics from Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Sulaiman. The match, played in Jeddah, showcased resilience, determination, and late-game drama, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.

Nasaf looked in control for much of the first half. Husain Norchaev scored twice, giving the Uzbek side a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime. His first goal came from a precise strike that left Al-Ahli goalkeeper helpless, and the second showcased his sharp finishing skills, putting the Saudi defending champions under significant pressure.

However, the second half belonged to Al-Ahli. Enzo Millot, the club’s new signing from Stuttgart, became the hero of the comeback. In just three minutes, the French midfielder scored twice to level the game. The first goal capitalized on a goalkeeper mistake, with Millot calmly slotting the ball into an empty net. Moments later, hesitant defending by Nasaf allowed him to strike again, bringing the score to 2-2 and igniting hope for the home side.

The match reached its climax in stoppage time. Riyad Mahrez scored a stunning goal four minutes into added time, and Mohammed Sulaiman added another 11 minutes later. Nasaf was reduced to ten men following Alibek Davronov’s late red card, giving Al-Ahli the advantage to seal the win. “Everybody had to give 100 per cent in the second half, we had to do more and attack the box to score goals and we did it,” said Millot, reflecting on the team’s determination and teamwork.

Elsewhere in the western league phase, Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad suffered a 2-1 defeat against Al-Wahda of the UAE. Laurent Blanc’s side initially took the lead through Steven Berwijn’s spectacular long-range strike in the 21st minute. However, a sending-off for Muhannad Al-Shanqiti shifted the momentum. Caio Canedo equalized in the 62nd minute, and Lucas Pimenta’s added-time strike secured victory for Al-Wahda.

The UAE’s Sharjah FC also earned a dramatic 4-3 win over Al-Gharafa. The game saw multiple lead changes and red-card incidents, including goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar’s dismissal in the 86th minute, which allowed Sharjah to score twice in stoppage time. Qatar’s Al-Sadd fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Iraq’s Al-Shorta in Baghdad, with Hassan Al-Haydos scoring the equalizer.

The results highlight the excitement and unpredictability of the Asian Champions League. With the western league phase featuring 12 teams playing eight matches, the top eight will progress to the knockout rounds scheduled for March. Al-Ahli’s dramatic comeback sets a positive tone for their campaign and demonstrates the importance of resilience and teamwork in high-stakes football.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Al-Ahli can maintain this momentum and challenge for the title once again.