Toney nets decisive goal as Al Ahli rallies to overcome Vissel Kobe in AFC Champions League semi-finals

Yoshinori Muto put the J-League team ahead with a goal in the 31st minute in Jeddah, but Al Ahli’s Galeno equalised 17 minutes into the second half with a stunning shot, before Toney sealed the win just eight minutes later with a clinical finish.

This result propels Al Ahli to their second successive final, keeping Matthias Jaissle’s squad on course to become the first team since fellow Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad in 2005 to claim consecutive titles.

“We’re incredibly proud to reach the final again; achieving back-to-back appearances is something quite special and a tremendous honour,” said Jaissle. “The game was challenging, as always at this level in such a semi-final. It was the small details that determined the outcome.”

The Japanese side initially took control when Katsuya Nagato’s free kick from deep was headed across the box by Yuya Osako, finding Muto, who slotted the ball past Edouard Mendy.

Al Ahli nearly equalised just before halftime, with Rayan Hamed’s header from Galeno’s free kick striking the far post, followed by Toney narrowly missing with a flick from Enzo Millot’s cross.

Franck Kessie missed a chance just after the break, and Toney’s effort was disallowed for offside five minutes into the half as Al Ahli increased their pressure on the Japanese side.

In the 54th minute, Daiju Sasaki nearly doubled Kobe’s lead when he found space in the box, but his shot hit the crossbar.

However, eight minutes later, Al Ahli found their equaliser when Galeno unleashed an unstoppable effort from 25 yards that flew past goalkeeper Daiya Maekawa.

Just eight minutes later, Al Ahli seized the lead. Maekawa misjudged Galeno’s cross, allowing Toney to slot the ball past three defenders positioned on the line.

Al Ahli will meet either Shabab Al-Ahli from the United Arab Emirates or Japan’s Machida Zelvia in the final as the two teams prepare to face each other on Tuesday.

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