Jeddah: Riyad Mahrez struck a sublime extra-time free kick to fire defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 with a 1-0 victory over Qatar’s Al Duhail SC at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Monday.
The decisive moment came three minutes from the end of the second period of extra time, just when the contest appeared destined for a penalty shoot-out. Mahrez curled in a precise effort from outside the area after teammate Ivan Toney had seen his spot-kick saved by Salah Zakaria.
The win sends Al Ahli into a quarter-final clash with Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Al Ahli dominated early proceedings, with Mahrez nearly capitalising on a defensive lapse in the 11th minute, only to be denied by Zakaria. Toney also tested the goalkeeper with a well-struck free kick, but the Qatari shot-stopper reacted sharply.
Despite the pressure, Al Duhail threatened against the run of play in the 24th minute when Benjamin Bourigeaud struck the post with a curling free kick. Edmilson Junior later forced a fine save from Edouard Mendy as the Qatari side grew into the contest.
Al Ahli resumed control late in the first half, with Toney and Mahrez both going close, but Zakaria remained resolute between the posts.
The second half saw chances at both ends, with Roger Ibanez and Mahrez testing Zakaria, while Mendy denied Bourigeaud in a lively spell after the restart. Al Duhail also came close through Adil Boulbina and Enzo Millot, both striking the woodwork during a tense finale to regulation time.
Extra time continued in the same vein, with opportunities at either end. A dramatic moment arrived late in the first period when a VAR review awarded Al Ahli a penalty following a foul by Zakaria, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself by diving to his right to deny Toney.
However, Zakaria was ultimately beaten moments later, as Mahrez delivered a moment of quality, bending home a stunning effort from 25 yards to seal victory and send the Saudi side through.
