Saudi champions Al Ahli overcame a red card and a deficit to defeat Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1, advancing to the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
REIGNING champions Al Ahli staged a resilient comeback with 10 men to defeat Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1 on Friday, securing their place in the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
The Saudi side, last year’s inaugural ACL Elite winners, overturned a one-goal deficit after going a man down at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. JDT, managed by former forward Luis Garcia, took a surprise lead in the 19th minute.
Al Ahli full-back Ali Majrashi inadvertently turned Jairo’s cross into his own net past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Majrashi’s evening worsened eight minutes before half-time when he was shown a straight red card for catching Jairo in the face during an attempted clearance.
The Brazilian winger was subsequently stretchered off the pitch. Al Ahli began their fightback in first-half stoppage time through Franck Kessie.
The Ivorian midfielder rose unmarked to head home Galeno’s in-swinging corner. Al Ahli completed their comeback nine minutes into the second half.
Galeno turned scorer, unleashing a fierce shot from the edge of the area that flew past goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre. The victory sets up a semi-final clash with Japan’s Vissel Kobe on Monday.
“It wasn’t an easy match, because we played with 10 players against eleven, and that makes it even more difficult,” Al Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle said. He praised the will and spirit of his team for securing the desired result.
Meanwhile, chances of an all-Saudi final ended as Al Ittihad were eliminated 1-0 by tournament debutants Machida Zelvia. The Japanese club took the lead just after the half hour through Australian Tete Yengi’s deflected shot.
Al Ittihad, who lost Karim Benzema in February, came close to levelling but Youssef En Nesyri’s header hit the post. Danilo Pereira had a late equaliser ruled out by VAR for handball.
Machida Zelvia will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Shabab Al Ahli and Buriram United. Jeddah is hosting the centralised finals series for the second consecutive year, with the final scheduled for April 25.
