AFC Champions League Two: Coman hat-trick powers Al-Nassr into final with 5-1 rout of Al-Ahli
Dubai, April 23
Kingsley Coman produced a scintillating hat-trick as Al-Nassr stormed into the AFC Champions League Two final with a commanding 5-1 victory over Al-Ahli SC on Wednesday.
Despite a strong start from the visitors, Al-Nassr's attacking quality proved overwhelming as they recovered from an early setback to seal a comprehensive win in front of their home fans in Riyadh.
Al-Ahli had the perfect chance to take the lead inside seven minutes, but Julian Draxler saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Bento Krepski. The Qatari side did not have to wait long to open the scoring, however, as Sekou Yansane curled a low effort into the far corner to make it 1-0.
Al-Nassr responded almost immediately. Angelo Gabriel burst down the flank to set up Coman for a close-range equaliser, before getting on the scoresheet himself after combining neatly with Sadio Mane to put the hosts ahead.
Coman struck again just before half-time, capitalising on a defensive lapse to give Al-Nassr a 3-1 lead at the break and seize full control of the contest.
The French winger completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute, finishing calmly after another incisive pass from Angelo, capping a dominant individual performance.
Substitute Abdullah Al-Hamdan added a fifth goal late on to round off an emphatic victory for the Saudi Pro League leaders.
Cristiano Ronaldo featured for 78 minutes and played an influential role in Al-Nassr's attacking build-up, though he was unable to find the net. The Portuguese forward later expressed his delight on social media, praising the team's performance as they moved one step closer to silverware.
Al-Ahli were left to rue their missed opportunities, particularly the early penalty, as Al-Nassr's clinical finishing and fluid attacking play proved decisive.
With the win, Al-Nassr advance to the final, where they will face Gamba Osaka in Riyadh on May 17. Sitting atop the Saudi Pro League and brimming with confidence, the Riyadh-based club will now aim to crown an impressive season with their first major trophy since Ronaldo's arrival in 2022.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Disappointing from Al-Ahli. They had the chance to go up 1-0 from the penalty but missed, and then it all fell apart. Draxler's penalty miss was the turning point. In Asian competitions, you cannot afford to waste such chances against big teams. Al-Nassr are just too strong at home.
Great match! But I'm a bit sad Ronaldo didn't score. He worked hard for 78 minutes though - creating space, linking play. His presence alone changes how defenses line up. Coman and Angelo were brilliant. Gamba Osaka will be tough but Al-Nassr are favorites now. 🇸🇦⚽
As an Indian football fan, I watch these ACL matches to see how Asian football is evolving. Saudi clubs are light years ahead of us now. The investment in foreign stars is one thing, but their local players like Al-Hamdan coming off the bench and scoring shows real development. We need more ISL teams to reach this level.
Clinical performance! Coman's hat-trick was world class - the way he finished those chances shows his Bayern Munich pedigree. But I have to say, Al-Ahli's defending for the third goal was shocking. You can't give a player like Coman that much space in the box. Still, 5-1 is a statement win. Looking forward to the final! 🎉
I know everyone is praising Coman, and rightly so, but Angelo Gabriel deserves huge credit. Two
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