AFC Champions League: Mahrez, Mendy and Kessie progress to final as Al Ahli defeat Al-Hilal

Al Ahli Saudi FC/X

Some of Africa's top stars were involved on both sides in the opening semifinal of the AFC Champions League Elite but it was Al Ahli's African trio who were celebrating after a 3-1 victory over Al-Hilal in a duel between top Saudi clubs.

Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino opened the scoring for Ahli who got off to a brilliant start at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Algeria national team superstar Mahrez then played a perfect pass for English striker Ivan Toney to double the lead for Ahli before a half hour had elapsed despite the best efforts of Senegal national team defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, to his credit, made a couple of important saves to keep Hilal in the match. The reigning Saudi Pro League champions pulled a goal back shortly before halftime through Salem Al Dawsari.

But Hilal, who look unlikely to defend their domestic league title this season, continued to look rather flat throughout the match and did not give Ahli and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to much to do. Hilal created little to nothing and their hopes were all but gone once Koulibaly went in strong on Ahli defender Roger Ibañez, resulting in a second yellow card and Koulibaly's expulsion.

Somehow, Hilal still stayed close. Everything was set for Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié to put Ahli beyond reach after a penalty kick was awarded in the final ten minutes. However, Kessié's penalty was brilliantly saved by Bounou as the Moroccan continued to be Hilal's top performer.

But Kessié was joining Mendy and Mahrez in celebration by the full time whistle after substitute Firas Al Buraikan added one more goal for Ahli deep into stoppage time. Ahli will now await the winner of Wednesday's second semifinal between another Saudi giant, Al-Nassr, and Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. The final will take place on May 3 in Ahli's home city of Jeddah.