Reigning Asian membership champions Al Ahli Saudi confronted tough resistance from Qatar’s Al Duhail however Riyad Mahrez offered a second of magic to preserve Ahli’s AFC Champions League Elite title protection on the right track.
The Algeria nationwide group star curled in an ideal free kick for the one purpose of the match within the second half of additional time after the 2 groups couldn’t discover a purpose via ninety minutes.
It was a tense match for the hosts on the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, the place the Saudi Pro League giants struggled to discover their well past a well-organized Duhail protection. Duhail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria confronted few challenges till additional time arrived with the rating nonetheless locked at 0-0.
Mahrez spares AFC Champions League holders from penalties
In additional time, it appeared that the hosts would put away their stingy opponents after a penalty kick was awarded within the second half. But Zakaria produced a large save from Ivan Toney’s spot kick to preserve Duhail’s hopes alive.
ايفان توني يهدر ركلة الجزاء لصالح الاهلي 🤯#الاهلي_الدحيل https://t.co/zi7bqD8pf7 pic.twitter.com/f67i2i09d6
— KHALID ALOLYAN 🇸🇦🐪 (@OLYAN15K) April 13, 2026
But 5 minutes later, Mahrez spared his membership and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy from a suspenseful penalty shootout by curling within the profitable purpose.
Mahrez now has 4 targets within the competitors, to associate with 4 targets within the Saudi Pro League this season. He was influential within the last levels of Ahli’s profitable Champions League Elite marketing campaign final season and can look to proceed his heroics within the quarterfinals, the place a duel with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim awaits on Friday on the identical venue.
