Ivan Toney secures Al Ahli comeback, advancing to Asian Champions League final

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Reigning champion Al Ahli advanced to the final of the AFC Champions League Elite after Ivan Toney’s goal in the second half secured a 2-1 victory over Japan’s Vissel Kobe on Monday.

In the final scheduled for Saturday in Jeddah, Al Ahli will compete against either Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates or Japan’s Machida Zelvia, who will face off on Tuesday.

Al Ahli rallied after falling behind when Vissel Kobe took the lead in the 32nd minute. Yuya Osako directed a free kick towards Yushinori Muto, who converted from close range.

The Saudi Pro League team nearly leveled the score just before halftime when Rayad Hamad’s header struck the post, followed by Toney’s backheel attempt that went narrowly wide moments later.

Toney found the net five minutes into the second half, breaking free to shoot low from just inside the box, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Kobe almost extended its advantage shortly after, with Daiju Sasaki’s shot hitting the crossbar.

Al Ahli equalized in the 62nd minute when Brazilian winger Galeno curled a shot into the top corner from 25 meters, and took the lead eight minutes later when the Kobe goalkeeper’s parry fell to Toney, whose first-time shot found the back of the net through a crowded area.

Riyad Mahrez believed he had scored a third goal with 15 minutes left, but the effort from the former Manchester City player was ruled offside.