Al Ahli Eliminate Al Hilal in AFC Champions League Semis

Al Ahli stunned Al Hilal with a 3-1 victory in the AFC Champions League semifinal at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.

Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney — two former Premier League strikers — put Al Ahli ahead early with goals in the 9th and 27th minutes. Salem Al Dawsari pulled one back for Al Hilal in the 42nd minute, but Firas Al Buraikan sealed the win for the hosts with an injury-time strike.

The defeat ends Al Hilal’s quest for a record-extending fifth AFC Champions League title. Meanwhile, Al Ahli, previously runners-up in 1986 and 2012, now pave the way for clubs like Al Nassr to chase their first-ever title in Asia’s premier competition.