Al-Ahli Denies Al-Gharafa a Spot in the AFC Champions League Elite Round
Qatari side Al-Rayyan and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan have secured their places in the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite, as the competition wrapped up its eighth and final matchday of the unified group stage.
Al-Rayyan, who collected eight points, benefited from Iranian club Persepolis’ goalless draw at home against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in Tehran, securing qualification even before hosting Esteklal of Iran next Tuesday. Meanwhile, Pakhtakor confirmed their progression with a 2-1 home win over Qatari side Al-Sadd, also taking advantage of Al-Gharafa’s 4-2 defeat against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
Colombian forward Bryan Riascos (18’, 56’) scored both goals for Pakhtakor, while Hassan Al-Haydos (37’, penalty) netted Al-Sadd’s lone goal. Both teams finished the match with ten men after Adam Ounas of Al-Sadd was sent off in the 65th minute, followed by Pakhtakor’s Sardor Sabirkhojaev three minutes later.
This marked Pakhtakor’s first win of the tournament, adding to their four draws and three losses, bringing their total to seven points and lifting them to seventh place ahead of Persepolis and Al-Gharafa on goal difference. Meanwhile, Al-Sadd, already qualified, suffered their second loss but remained in fourth place with 12 points.
Al-Rayyan secured sixth place in the group ahead of Pakhtakor and Persepolis, who are now battling for the final qualification spot with Esteklal Tehran (six points).
Al-Rayyan and Pakhtakor join the three Saudi representatives—Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli (19 points each) and Al-Nassr (16)—as well as Al-Sadd (12) and Al-Wasl (11) in the Round of 16.
Al-Ahli Maintains Top Spot in Style
Still unbeaten with seven wins and one draw, Al-Ahli denied Al-Gharafa a place in the knockout rounds with a commanding 4-2 victory at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Goals from English striker Ivan Toney (21’), Brazilians Roberto Firmino (34’) and Galeno (44’), and Algerian Riyad Mahrez (59’) sealed the win for Al-Ahli. Al-Gharafa’s goals came from Spanish forward Joselu (6’, penalty) and Algerian Yacine Brahimi (80’, penalty).
Al-Gharafa needed only a draw to advance but suffered their fifth defeat, remaining on seven points and dropping to ninth place on goal difference behind Pakhtakor and Persepolis. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli moved into sole possession of first place with 22 points, three ahead of their previous co-leaders Al-Hilal, who face Al-Wasl on Tuesday.
Al-Gharafa struck first through former Real Madrid striker Joselu’s early penalty (6’), but Toney equalized 15 minutes later after receiving a cross from Mahrez (21’).
Firmino put Al-Ahli ahead following an assist from fellow Brazilian Roger Ibañez (34’), before their compatriot Galeno added a third just before halftime, converting a superb pass from Mahrez (44’). It was Galeno’s first goal for Al-Ahli since joining from FC Porto in the winter transfer window.
Al-Ahli extended their lead early in the second half with a penalty converted by Mahrez (59’). Al-Gharafa was also awarded a penalty later, which Brahimi converted to narrow the deficit (80’).
Meanwhile, Al-Shorta of Iraq saw their slim qualification hopes vanish despite a 2-0 victory over defending champions Al-Ain of the UAE, as Pakhtakor’s win over Al-Sadd sealed their fate.
Al-Shorta’s goals were scored by Mahmoud Mawas (50’) and Brazilian Lucas Souza (90+4’). It was the Iraqi side’s first victory in the competition, lifting them to six points in 11th place, while Al-Ain endured their worst-ever campaign, finishing last with six losses, two draws, and no wins.
