AFC Champions League: Kessié steps up as 10-man Al Ahli book semi-final spot

Al Ahli Saudi Club booked their place in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Elite semifinals on Friday at the expense of Johor Darul Ta’zim. The quarterfinal game at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah saw the Saudi Arabian side come from behind to defeat the Malaysian giants 2-1, with Ivory Coast national team star Franck Kessié getting on the scoresheet at the stroke of halftime.

𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿. 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

Franck Kessie knows exactly when to flip the switch, delivering on the grandest stage. Once again!#ACLElite | #AHLvJDT pic.twitter.com/JuD572Oxqn

— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) April 17, 2026

The holders came into the tie looking to defend their title but found themselves 0-1 down after an own goal from Ali Majrashi in the 19th minute. The Saudi defender had a nightmare match, as he was sent off with a straight red card in the 37th minute for a high boot.

Kessié restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time with a header. Brazilian midfielder Galeno scored a superb goal to make it two nine minutes after the restart, as Al Ahli held firm to progress to the semi-final.

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez and Senegal international goalkeeper Édouard Mendy started the encounter alongside the 29-year-old former AC Milan midfielder. Mahrez played 72 minutes, while Mendy failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition.

The reigning Asian club champions will face Vissel Kobe of Japan in the semifinal on April 20 as they look to defend their continental title.