Al-Ahli Win First Asian Champions League Title with Ivan Toney Celebrating First Trophy
Al-Ahli, the Saudi Arabian club, has won the Asian Champions League for the first time, defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 on Saturday. The victory marks a significant milestone for the club, with England striker Ivan Toney celebrating his first trophy with the team.
According to the BBC, Al-Ahli’s expensively assembled squad, which features former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, secured the win with two goals in the first half. Firmino, who was named the AFC Champions League’s most valuable player, set up both Al-Ahli goals, teeing up fellow Brazilian Galeno for his stunning 35th-minute opener before crossing for Franck Kessie to head in seven minutes later.
The win marks a remarkable turnaround for Al-Ahli, who were relegated from the Saudi Pro League three years ago. However, the club was taken over by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2023, which also owns Newcastle United. The PIF’s investment has clearly paid off, with Al-Ahli celebrating their victory in front of 58,000 home fans at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
As reported by the BBC, Firmino, who left Liverpool in 2023, expressed his delight at the win, saying: "This title win shows us to have a monster mentality. We always believed we could be champions and we have done it." He added: "I’m very happy and very proud of the team. Happy to make history here and able to repay the support of the club, family and friends."
Ivan Toney, who joined Al-Ahli from Brentford for about £40m last summer, was prevented from adding to his six goals in the competition by Kawasaki goalkeeper Louis Yamaguchi inside the opening five minutes. However, the 29-year-old striker has had a productive first season with Al-Ahli, scoring 26 goals and contributing five assists in 39 games.
Al-Ahli’s former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy also praised the team’s achievement, saying: "Once we knew the final eight would be played in Jeddah it was our goal to be champions in front of our fans. Since I came here 18 months ago they have supported us so much. As I said when I signed here, it’s to make history, to continue to win trophies and make this club as big as it was before."
The victory marks Al-Ahli’s first Asian Champions League title, with the club having previously finished as runners-up in the competition in 1986 and 2012. As noted by the BBC, the win is a significant achievement for the club and a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.
The Asian Champions League is the most prestigious club competition in Asian football, and Al-Ahli’s victory is a major upset. The team’s win is a significant achievement for Saudi Arabian football, and it will be interesting to see how the team performs in the future.
The final was a closely contested match, with Al-Ahli’s victory a testament to the team’s skill and determination. The match was played in front of a packed crowd at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, with the home team’s fans celebrating wildly after the final whistle.
In conclusion, Al-Ahli’s victory in the Asian Champions League is a significant achievement for the club and Saudi Arabian football. The team’s win, led by Ivan Toney and Roberto Firmino, is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. As reported by the BBC, the victory marks a new era for Al-Ahli, who are looking to establish themselves as a major force in Asian football.
