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Toney Seals Al Ahli’s Return to AFC Champions League Elite Final

The Saudi holders will face the Shabab Al AhliMachida Zelvia winner in Saturday’s Jeddah final.

Overview

  • Al Ahli booked a place in the decider on Monday with a 2-1 comeback win over Japan’s Vissel Kobe in Jeddah.
  • Yoshinori Muto opened the scoring for Kobe before Galeno blasted an equaliser and Ivan Toney struck the 70th‑minute winner.
  • The champions now await either UAE side Shabab Al Ahli or Japan’s Machida Zelvia, with the final set for Saturday at King Abdullah Sports City.
  • The latter knockout rounds are being held in a single-site, fast-turnaround schedule in Jeddah, which compresses recovery and game planning for both finalists.
  • Al Ahli remain on track to be the first repeat winners in the Champions League era since Al Ittihad in 2005, buoyed by nearly 45,000 home fans on the night.