Al Ahli rally with 10 men to beat Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1 and reach AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals
Al Ahli rallied with 10 men to beat Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1 in Jeddah, powered by Kessié and Galeno, to reach the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals.
Al Ahli overturned an early deficit and a first-half red card to secure a 2-1 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim, booking a semi-final meeting with Vissel Kobe. The Saudi champions conceded through an own goal before Franck Kessié’s stoppage-time header and a long-range strike from Galeno completed the comeback. Despite playing the majority of the match with ten men after Ali Majrashi’s dismissal, Al Ahli controlled large spells of the second half and defended resolutely to preserve their continental defence.
Early setback as own goal and sending-off change the game
JDT stunned the King Abdullah Sports City crowd when Jairo’s cross skidded off Ali Majrashi and into the Al Ahli net, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal arrived in the 19th minute and forced the hosts to chase the game both tactically and physically from that point.
The situation worsened for Al Ahli before half-time when Majrashi was shown a red card for a high boot that struck Jairo in the face, reducing the champions to ten men. The dismissal shifted the contest dramatically, but it also prompted an immediate tactical recalibration from Al Ahli’s coaching staff.
Kessié’s header restores parity before the break
With the numerical disadvantage, Al Ahli sought set-piece routes to goal and found their breakthrough in stoppage time of the first half. Franck Kessié rose highest to power a header from a Galeno corner, drawing the hosts level and changing the momentum heading into the interval.
The equalizer offered both a psychological lift and a tactical reset, allowing Al Ahli to approach the second half with renewed belief despite being a man down. That goal proved decisive in setting a platform for the visitors to be kept at bay and for the hosts to hunt a winner.
Galeno delivers a spectacular winner to complete the turnaround
Galeno, who supplied the corner for Kessié’s equalizer, turned match-winner early in the second half with a thunderous long-range strike. The Brazilian’s effort in the 54th minute left JDT goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre with no chance and gave Al Ahli a 2-1 lead against the run of earlier events.
The goal underlined Galeno’s ability to influence high-stakes matches and shifted the onus back onto JDT to respond against a compact, determined opponent. It also rewarded Al Ahli’s sustained buildup play and willingness to attempt shots from distance when penetration was limited.
Al Ahli reorganize and rely on defensive discipline
After taking the lead, Al Ahli prioritized defensive structure and compactness, making tactical choices to protect the slender advantage. The team adopted a narrower shape through the midfield and asked wing-backs to balance defensive duties with occasional bursts forward.
That discipline forced JDT to generate most of their danger from wide deliveries and quick transitions rather than sustained central possession. Al Ahli’s ability to block passing lanes and win second balls played a central role in stifling the Malaysian champions’ attacking rhythm late in the match.
Edouard Mendy’s saves preserve the lead in the closing stages
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a series of important interventions as JDT pushed for an equalizer in the final quarter of the game. His timely stops and confident command of the area prevented dangerous crosses and shots from finding the net, preserving the two-minute advantage.
Those saves were particularly significant given Al Ahli’s numerical disadvantage and the growing pressure from a squad known for its clinical finishing. Mendy’s presence between the posts allowed his teammates to maintain their defensive shape and manage the tempo as the clock ran down.
Implications for the title defence and the road to Vissel Kobe
The victory secures Al Ahli’s place in Monday’s semi-final against Vissel Kobe and keeps their defence of the AFC Champions League Elite title alive. Progressing past JDT under adverse circumstances offers a reminder of Al Ahli’s depth and resilience as they seek to retain continental silverware.
Monday’s tie against Vissel Kobe will present a different set of challenges, with the Japanese side offering technical fluency and a varied attacking approach. Al Ahli will need to balance physical resilience with quicker ball circulation to unsettle Kobe while managing fitness concerns from a match that required extensive defensive labor.
Al Ahli’s win in Jeddah highlighted both individual moments of quality and collective resolve that will be needed in the semi-final stage. The team’s capacity to absorb pressure, deliver decisive moments from set plays and long-range efforts, and rely on experienced personnel like Mendy could prove decisive as the competition reaches its climax.
