Al Ahli Saudi Meet Kawasaki For The Asian Crown
The King Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium in Jeddah was packed to the brim as history was to be made. Al Ahli Saudi and Kawasaki Frontale locked horns last night in the final of the AFC Championship League Elite Competition. The winner to be crowned the Champion of Asia, a first for either of the Clubs.
A Star Studded Al Ahli Team & A Rapturous Crowd
A star studded Al Ahli Saudi team led by the former Liverpool gem Roberto Firmino with Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Brazilian Galeno in the ranks, the hosts were the favourites without a doubt and truly played like Champions as well. The vociferous crowd too emerged strongly behind their team and pushed them on.
The Match & A Frenetic Beginning
The match had a frenetic pacy start with some outstanding football on show. Al Ahli were the more dominant one making all the moves and eventually the deadlock was broken in the 35th minute through Galeno who scored arguably the goal of the competition.
Sheer Brilliance From Galeno
Galeno struck from way outside the box. The ball moved in the air, curled in, bearing the Japanese goalkeeper to his left and entering the net from the top corner. It was a magical strike with class written all over it. The swirl on the ball and the way it moved to enter the net was a sight to behold. It was unblemished precision from Galeno. The stadium erupted with a mighty, deafening rapturous applause.
Franck Kessie Puts It Beyond Kawasaki
Kawasaki stunned by the goal had hardly recovered when Firmino sent a fine cross to the centre where the waiting Ivorian, Franck Kessie headed the second goal in the 42nd minute to give Al Ahli a match winning lead. The raucous applause from the stands continued.
Al Ahli Saudi Defend Bravely
The second half saw some brilliant defending from Al Ahli to deny Kawasaki. The home team put their bodies on line and defended bravely to buttress the moves from Kawasaki forwards. Al Ahli took everything that was thrown at them by the Japs.
Al Ahli Prevail, Win Their Maiden Title
Al Ahli Saudi eventually prevailed and survived a few nervous moments in the end to record their maiden AFC Champions League Elite Title. The stadium virtually came down as the presentations unfolded.
Kawasaki Leave With Their Heads Held High
Kawasaki Frontale had a dream run in the Competition and deserved every bit of the success they achieved. A tenacious team with a fine mix of youth and experience will only go forward in the future.
Lots To Cheer For Al Ahli
Al Ahli Saudi had lots to cheer. They had played brilliantly right through with their star performers making a huge difference when it really mattered.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory Youtube Channel