In a landmark event for Saudi Arabian football, Al-Ahli secured their first-ever Asian Champions League title with a decisive 2-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. The match, held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, was a testament to the team's resilience and strategic prowess, highlighted by key contributions from Ivan Toney and Roberto Firmino.

Key Players Shine

Ivan Toney, the English striker who joined Al-Ahli from Brentford for approximately £40 million last summer, played a pivotal role throughout the tournament. Despite being thwarted by Kawasaki's goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi early in the game, Toney's overall performance this season has been remarkable, with 26 goals and five assists in 39 games.

Roberto Firmino, the former Liverpool forward, was instrumental in the final, setting up both goals. His assist to Galeno for the opening goal in the 35th minute and a precise cross to Franck Kessie for the second goal seven minutes later were crucial in securing the win. Firmino, who was named the AFC Champions League's Most Valuable Player, expressed his joy and pride in the team's achievement, emphasizing the importance of a 'monster mentality'.

Historic Achievement

This victory makes Al-Ahli the third Saudi club to win the Asian Champions League, following in the footsteps of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. The club, which was relegated from the Saudi Pro League three years ago, has seen a resurgence since being taken over by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2023.

Celebrations and Future Aspirations

The team celebrated their triumph in front of 58,000 ecstatic home fans. Edouard Mendy, Al-Ahli's former Chelsea goalkeeper, highlighted the significance of winning in front of their supporters and expressed his commitment to continuing the club's legacy of success.

Conclusion

Al-Ahli's victory in the Asian Champions League is a historic milestone for the club and Saudi football. With key players like Toney and Firmino leading the charge, the future looks bright for Al-Ahli as they aim to build on this success and continue to make history on the continental stage.