KSAsportz report
JEDDAH — In a thrilling display at the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 opener on Monday night, Al Ahli mounted a sensational comeback to defeat PFC Nasaf 4-2. This victory marked a promising start for the defending champions, who were initially trailing by two goals.
The match began with a challenging first half for Al Ahli as Khusain Norchaev put Nasaf ahead with two goals, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead by the 41st minute. Statistics show that Nasaf captured 57% possession during the early stages, forcing Al Ahli to play defensively. Despite their initial dominance, Al Ahli struggled to find the back of the net, with Riyad Mahrez’s free kick soaring over the bar and Golib Gaybullaev’s powerful shot being saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The first breakthrough occurred in the 34th minute when a misplaced pass from Merih Demiral allowed Murodbek Rahmatov to assist Norchaev, who found the net with ease. Just seven minutes later, Oybek Bozorov exploited defensive gaps to set up Norchaev for a curling second goal.
Seeking a revival, Al Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle made key adjustments at half-time, bringing on Matheus Goncalves and Mohammed Sulaiman, later adding Saleh Alshamat and Valentine Atangana. This strategy paid off in the 65th minute when Nasaf goalkeeper Abduvakhid Nematov misjudged a clearance, leading to Enzo Millot’s chance to score from distance into an open net.
Millot quickly followed up with another goal just three minutes later, taking advantage of a rebound to tie the game at 2-2. As the match entered stoppage time, Mahrez delivered the decisive blow, skillfully controlling a cross and firing a low shot past Nematov.
Nasaf’s frustrations culminated in Alibek Davronov receiving a red card, which further tilted the match in Al Ahli’s favor. Sulaiman capped off the comeback with a fourth goal in the dying seconds, assisted by Mahrez.
This comeback not only keeps Al Ahli’s title defense hopes alive but also demonstrates their depth and resilience in the face of adversity. With a trophy tally of 3 AFC Champions League titles under their belt, Al Ahli aims for a fourth this season after this remarkable display.