Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Win in 'Asian Elite'

Al-Nassr secured their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite, defeating their Uzbek guests Neftchi Fergana 3-1, while defending champions Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia regained their winning momentum with a 3-1 away win against UAE hosts Al-Wasl, in the second round of matches. In Riyadh, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo contributed to Al-Nassr’s victory by scoring the second goal in the 42nd minute, raising his career tally to 981 goals. Brazilian Angelo Gabriel had opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. Uzbek striker Alisher Odilov pulled one back for Neftchi in the 51st minute, before Anvarjon G’ofurov scored an own goal in the 78th minute, capitalizing on Neftchi’s numerical disadvantage after Ekram Aliyev was sent off in the 65th minute. Al-Nassr moved up to three points, making up for their 4-0 defeat to UAE side Al-Ain in the opening round.

Defending champions Al-Ahli found their way back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Al-Wasl. Goals came from Brazilian Roger Ibanez (20th minute), Portuguese Francisco Trincao (58th minute), and Feras Al-Brikan (90+3rd minute), while Portuguese Pedro Malheiro scored Al-Wasl’s consolation goal (45+3rd minute). Al-Ahli moved to four points, while Al-Wasl remained winless after their second consecutive defeat.

In Basra, UAE’s Al-Ain continued their strong form with a 4-1 win over Iraqi hosts Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. Moroccan striker Hussein Rahimi scored a brace in the 23rd and 43rd minutes, Paraguayan Alejandro Romero added a goal in the 13th minute, and Saad Al-Rousan scored an own goal in the 18th minute. Mohammed Jawad scored Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya’s only goal in the 89th minute. The result marked Al-Ain’s second consecutive victory.

In Doha, Qatari side Al-Gharafa suffered a 1-2 defeat to Iranian club Esteghlal, marking their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, Qatari team Al-Shamal drew 0-0 with Iranian side Tractor, earning their second point. Also, Saudi club Al-Qadsiah drew 1-1 with Uzbek hosts Pakhtakor. Dutch midfielder Tjani Reijnierse put Al-Qadsiah ahead in the 35th minute, but Dostonbek Khamdamov equalized from a penalty in the 89th minute. Al-Qadsiah settled for a single point, following their opening round win against Al-Wasl.