In a historic night for Saudi football, Al-Ahli claimed their maiden AFC Champions League title after a commanding 2-0 win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the final on Saturday. The match, held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, saw the Saudi giants deliver a clinical performance to lift the prestigious trophy.
Under the guidance of German coach Matthias Jaissle, Al-Ahli took control early, with Brazilian winger Wenderson Galeno opening the scoring in the 35th minute. Just seven minutes later, Ivorian striker Franck Kessié doubled the lead, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino. The hosts dominated possession and maintained relentless attacking pressure throughout the game, leaving little room for Kawasaki to mount a comeback.
This victory marks a redemption for Al-Ahli, who had previously finished as runners-up twice, in 1986 (under the old tournament format) against Japan’s JEF United Chiba and in 2012, when they fell 3-0 to South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai. The long-awaited triumph was sealed by Galeno and Kessié, whose first-half goals ensured the club’s name was finally etched into Asian football history.
The jubilant scenes in Jeddah celebrated not just a continental title but also a statement of intent from Saudi football, as Al-Ahli became the first Saudi club to win the revamped AFC Champions League Elite. With Firmino pulling the strings in midfield and a rock-solid defensive display, the victory cements Al-Ahli’s status as one of Asia’s elite clubs.
Fans across the Kingdom erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew, marking the culmination of decades of perseverance. For Al-Ahli, this is more than just a trophy, it’s a legacy-defining moment.
Al-Ahli Crowned Asian Champions for the First Time with Dominant 2-0 Victory Over Kawasaki Frontale
