Al Ahli defeat Al Gharafa to seal AFC Champions League Elite knockout berth
JEDDAH — Al Ahli staged a comeback to defeat Al Gharafa 4-2 at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Monday, ending the Qatari side's hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25.The Saudi Pro League club moved to the top of the standings with 22 points, three ahead of Al Hilal SFC, who are set to face UAE's Al Wasl on Tuesday.Al Gharafa, meanwhile, bowed out of the tournament after finishing with just seven points, falling short of a top-eight finish.Al Gharafa initially took the lead when Joselu converted a penalty following a handball by Matteo Dams.The Qatari club, needing a win to secure a spot in the Round of 16, pressed forward with early attempts from Rodrigo and Brahimi, but Al Ahli gradually took control of the match.English striker Ivan Toney led Al Ahli's charge, scoring the equalizer in the 21st minute after an initial effort was denied by Al Gharafa goalkeeper Sergio Rico.The Saudi side doubled their advantage through Roberto Firmino, who finished off a well-placed pass from Ibanez.Al Ahli extended their lead further when Riyad Mahrez's quick free-kick set up Galeno, whose strike slipped past Rico.The final blow came just before the hour mark when Mahrez converted a penalty after Jamal Hamed fouled Toney in the box.Al Gharafa managed a late consolation goal through Brahimi's penalty in the 80th minute, but it was too little, too late as their campaign came to an end.
With this result, Qatar's Al Rayyan SC and Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor secured progression to the knockout stage, with one more West Zone spot yet to be determined.
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