Ligue des champions d’Asie : Édouard Mendy et Al-Ahli filent en finale
Defending champions Al-Ahli, led by Édouard Mendy, continue their march towards another title. The Saudi club qualified for the AFC Champions League final after their 2-1 victory over Japan's Vissel Kobe in a hard-fought semi-final.
After a shaky first half, the Saudis turned the game around after the break. Vissel Kobe, playing in only their second Champions League semi-final after 2020, nevertheless got off to a perfect start. Yoshinori Muto opened the scoring in the 30th minute, heading home a well-worked move that began with a free kick.
Lacking inspiration in attack before the break, Al-Ahli missed several opportunities, including a header from Rayan Hamed that hit the post.
But after returning from the locker room, Matthias Jaissle's men displayed a completely different side. Urged on by their fans, Édouard Mendy and his teammates intensified the pressure on the Japanese defense.
Despite having a goal disallowed for English striker Ivan Toney, the Saudis didn't give up. They were rewarded in the 62nd minute with a powerful strike from Wenderson Galeno, who was well set up by a cutback. The equalizer completely reignited the match. Moments later, Ivan Toney scored the winning goal in the 70th minute, securing qualification for his team.
Having already won the competition in 2025, Al-Ahli is closing in on another title. Édouard Mendy and his teammates will face the winner of the Machida Zelvia-Shabab Al-Ahli match in the final on April 25, aiming to retain their continental crown.
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