KSAsportz report
BAGHDAD — In a stunning display, Al Ahli Saudi FC secured their position in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 by defeating Al Shorta 5-0 on Monday. This commanding victory marked Al Ahli’s fifth consecutive win in the tournament, pushing their points tally to 13 and ensuring a spot in the top eight of the West Zone with two matches left to play.
Conversely, this loss leaves Al Shorta teetering on the brink of elimination, raising alarm bells as they face a steep challenge in their remaining fixtures.
The match began with promise for Al Shorta, as Mahmoud Almawas nearly shocked the visitors with a close-range header from Hasan Raed’s left-wing cross in the ninth minute. The Iraqi side maintained pressure, with Leonel Mbida testing Al Ahli’s defense; however, a fierce strike was ultimately blocked.
Despite missing star players Franck Kessié and Riyad Mahrez, Al Ahli weathered the early storm before showcasing their prowess midway through the first half. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Roger Ibanez charged forward from defense, linked up with Ivan Toney, and expertly slotted the ball into the net.
Al Shorta had opportunities to level before halftime, but Ahmed Farhan squandered a close-range chance, and Mbida was denied by a stellar save from goalkeeper Abdulrahman Alsanbi.
Upon returning from the break, Al Ahli completely took control of the match, with Toney becoming increasingly influential. His first assist came when he set up Fahad Alrashidi, only for Ahmed Basil to thwart the attempt. Toney then doubled the lead shortly after, receiving a delicate chipped pass from Galeno and skillfully rolling the ball past the onrushing Basil.
The score swelled to 3-0 in the 72nd minute, as Saleh Alshamat sent Galeno soaring down the left flank; the Brazilian maneuvered past Mustafa Saadoon before finishing with confidence beyond Basil.
Alshamat continued to shine, netting a fourth goal in the 81st minute by perfectly controlling a long pass from Toney and lifting the ball into the far corner. Finally, Ziyad Aljohani rounded off the rout five minutes later, solidifying a comprehensive triumph for the defending champions.
This result not only underscores Al Ahli’s rising momentum in the competition as they defend their continental crown but also casts a shadow over Al Shorta’s campaign, which now appears to hang by a thread.