In a memorable final showdown at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli emerged victorious with a decisive 2-0 win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale to capture the coveted AFC Elite Champions League title.
The match turned in Al Ahli’s favor when Brazilian winger Galeno broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a powerful, well-placed strike that sent the home crowd into raptures. The breakthrough was quickly capitalized on just seven minutes later when Ivorian captain Franck Kessie rose highest to head in the second goal, sealing a well-earned victory for the Jeddah-based club.
Throughout the game, Al Ahli maintained tactical discipline and countered Kawasaki’s persistent advances with a robust defensive display. Despite several determined efforts from the Japanese side to claw their way back into the contest, Al Ahli’s backline stood firm, ensuring that the two-goal margin was never threatened.
This triumph marks a historic milestone for Al Ahli, as it is their first major continental honor under the competition’s revamped format. The win also places them in elite company, joining other Saudi giants such as Al Hilal and Al Ittihad in their illustrious continental pedigree. Moreover, the club’s unbeaten run in all 13 matches of the tournament highlights the consistency and resolve that fueled their success.
Adding to the celebration is the significant financial windfall, with the club being awarded $10 million for clinching the title—a prize that underscores the magnitude of this achievement for both the team and the broader ambitions of Saudi football.
As thousands of jubilant fans turned the stadium into a sea of green, the atmosphere bore witness to more than just a sporting victory; it heralded the rise of a club reinvigorated by passion and poised for future success. With this title, Al Ahli has not only revived memories of former glory but has also set the stage for a new era in Saudi Arabian football, inspiring the next generation of players and fans alike.
Looking ahead, the resonant victory in Jeddah serves as a reminder of the transformative power of teamwork, strategic planning, and relentless determination. As Al Ahli celebrates this landmark moment, both the club and its supporters eagerly anticipate a future filled with continued triumphs on the continental stage.
