Saudi Football Heavyweights Clash in High-Stakes Semifinal
Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney propelled Al Ahli to a decisive 3-1 victory against Al Hilal in Tuesday’s AFC Champions League semifinal, setting up a potential all-Saudi Arabian final in Jeddah. The match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium saw global football stars shine as the Jeddah club seeks its first continental title since finishing runners-up in 2012.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
Firmino opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing a swift counterattack orchestrated by Brazilian compatriot Galeno. The unregistered Saudi Pro League captain doubled the lead through Toney’s composed 28th-minute finish, assisted by Riyad Mahrez’s pinpoint pass – maintaining the Algerian’s tournament assist lead. Al Hilal’s captain Salem Al Dawsari briefly revived hopes with a clinical strike before halftime, but Al Ahli’s substitute Feras Al Buraikan sealed victory in stoppage time.
Road to Continental Glory
The result keeps Al Ahli unbeaten in this season’s competition as they await Wednesday’s semifinal between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. A potential Saudi showdown on Saturday would highlight the nation’s growing football ambitions, fueled by strategic signings of global stars from Europe’s top leagues.
