In a thrilling climax to the group stage, Al-Sadd secured their place in the knockout rounds of the Asian Champions League with a late penalty from Ounas, marking a significant moment in their campaign. This victory propels Al-Sadd to join Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli in the last 16 of the revamped continental championship.
Al-Ahli’s rollercoaster encounter saw them rely on two penalties from Ivan Toney to secure a 2-2 draw against Esteghlal, ending their perfect run at home. Meanwhile, Persepolis recorded a 2-1 win over Al-Shorta, while Al-Wasl’s clash with Al-Rayyan ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
It was the first slip-up for Al-Ahli in this competition after five straight victories, but they still managed to confirm their advancement to the knockout phase with 16 points from six games, three clear of Al-Hilal, who are set to face Al-Gharafa on Tuesday.
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As the western league positions fill up, Al-Sadd’s late drama saw them secure progression under Felix Sanchez, showcasing their determination in the tournament. The match saw the reigning Asian Player of the Year, Akram Afif, put Al-Sadd ahead in the 53rd minute, streaking from halfway to deftly finish past goalkeeper Bento.
A moment of misfortune saw Romain Saiss deflect Wesley’s menacing cross into his own net in the 80th minute, leveling the match. However, deep into injury time, a foul on Afif in the area provided Ounas the opportunity to strike the decisive penalty.
On the other side, Al-Ahli had to bounce back twice, first after Rafael Silva volleyed Esteghlal ahead shortly before halftime. Toney’s instinct from the spot equalized in nine minutes of added time after Didier Ndong fouled Fahad Al-Rashidi. Yet, Esteghlal took the lead again with a strike from Mohammad Hossein Eslami just after the break. A second red card for Eslami increased Esteghlal’s woes, and with minutes ticking down, Toney’s penalty salvaged a crucial point for Al-Ahli.
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In other matchups, Oston Urunov netted and Giorgi Gvelesiani converted a penalty in the 103rd minute, marking Persepolis’s first win in the tournament against Al-Shorta, who had initially taken the lead through Mohannad Ali’s elegant lob.
Lastly, Al-Wasl’s Caio Canedo scored in the 77th minute, but an own goal by Salem Al-Azizi just eight minutes later denied them all three points in a compelling encounter with Al-Rayyan.
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