Al-Ahli began their AFC Champions League title defence with a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Nasaf, fueled by goals from Millot, Mahrez, and Sulaiman. Coach Jaissle praised the team’s character and spirit after a difficult first half.
Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle expressed his delight after witnessing his team mount a stunning late comeback to defeat Nasaf 4-2 in their opening match of the AFC Champions League Elite, successfully defending their title with a thrilling victory.
The match began poorly for Al-Ahli, finding themselves trailing after a lackluster first-half performance. Husain Norchaev capitalized on the Saudi Pro League side’s struggles, scoring twice in quick succession – in the 34th and 41st minutes – to give Nasaf a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.
However, the second half witnessed a remarkable transformation from Al-Ahli. They emerged with renewed determination and a clear intent to turn the tide. Enzo Millot spearheaded the comeback, netting two goals in just three minutes, leveling the score by the 68th minute and injecting a surge of hope into the Al-Ahli faithful.
Just as a draw seemed likely, Riyad Mahrez produced a moment of brilliance in the 94th minute. Cutting inside the box with skillful footwork, he unleashed a low, powerful shot that nestled past Abduvohid Ne’matov, giving Al-Ahli the lead for the first time in the match.
The drama wasn't over yet. In the 103rd minute, Alibek Davronov received a red card for a clear foul on Ivan Toney, leaving Nasaf with ten men. Al-Ahli swiftly capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Mohammed Sulaiman sealing the victory just two minutes later with a close-range finish, making it 4-2.
This victory marked Al-Ahli’s first win in an AFC Champions League Elite match when coming from behind at halftime at home since April 2015, highlighting the significance of this hard-fought three points for Jaissle’s squad.
“It was a difficult match,” Jaissle admitted after the game. “We weren’t fully present in the first half and conceded twice, but we knew we had to show our character in the second half. The team responded magnificently.”
Full Time!
#AlAhli – FC Nasaf#AlAhli_FCNasaf#AFC_Champions_League_Elite pic.twitter.com/Ttveuftqn7— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) September 15, 2025
Jaissle continued, praising his team’s spirit and the unwavering support of the fans. “It was fantastic to see the team play with one spirit alongside our fans, and I truly enjoyed watching my players score goal after goal with such passion. It was important for us to be on the winning side today, and I must emphasise how proud I am of the team after their comeback and the incredible four goals they scored.”
Al-Ahli’s winning streak in the Champions League Elite now extends to eight matches, representing their longest run of consecutive victories in the competition since at least the 2013-14 season. This impressive form underscores their dominance and sets a strong foundation for their title defence.
However, the night wasn’t entirely positive for Saudi Arabian clubs. Al-Ittihad suffered a 2-1 defeat against Al Wadha in their opener. Steven Bergwijn had given Laurent Blanc’s side an early lead, but a red card to Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti before halftime proved costly. Caio Canedo equalized for the hosts, and Lucas Pimenta secured the win for Al Wadha with a late goal in the 98th minute.
Despite Al-Ittihad’s setback, Al-Ahli’s dramatic victory provided a thrilling start to the AFC Champions League Elite, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of Asian club football. The team’s resilience and attacking prowess will undoubtedly make them a formidable opponent for any team in the competition.
