Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli advanced to a first AFC Champions League quarter-final since 2013 after defeating namesakes Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates 3-1 in the second leg of the last 16 on Monday to run out 4-2 winners on aggregate.
Needing a goal to have any chance of progressing following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the visitors started strongly at Rashid Stadium and took the lead on 18 minutes when Taiseer Al Jassam finished at the back post after a Giannis Fetfatzidis corner was flicked on by Saeed Al Muwallad.
The Saudi side then went two up six minutes later through a 20-yard thunderbolt from Hussain Al Mogahwi to leave the hosts needing three goals to make the last eight.
And the tie was as good as over just before the hour when the Emirati team’s leading scorer Makhete Diop was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Saad Abdulameer added a third from the spot with 18 minutes remaining after goalkeeper Majed Naser brought down Salman Muwashar, before substitute Asamoah Gyan’s stoppage-time penalty saw the Emiratis grab a consolation.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com