Holders Al-Ahli top Asian Champions League Elite standings after big win
Ex-Barcelona man Franck Kessie scores twice in 4-0 triumph over Al-Gharafa as Al-Ittihad earn first victory
Defending champions Al-Ahli cruised to a 4-0 win over Qatar’s Al-Gharafa in Jeddah on Monday to move to the top of the Asian Champions League Elite standings as fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad picked up their first victory of the campaign.
Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie scored twice after Enzo Millot had given Al-Ahli the lead at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in a devastating first-half performance by Matthias Jaissle’s side.
Millot put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute when he hooked in a close-range volley via the underside of the bar and Kessie added the second six minutes later with a towering header.
The Ivorian scored the third before half-time when he charged through the defence to pick up a return pass from Riyad Mahrez and slotted in. Saleh Abu Al-Shamat rolled in the fourth 14 minutes from time.
Al-Ahli moved on to seven points from three games in the western league phase of the competition, with the top eight finishers advancing to March’s knockout rounds.
Al-Ahli are level on seven points with Al-Wahda from the UAE, who fought back from a goal down to Qatar’s Al-Duhail to pick up a 3-1 win in Abu Dhabi, with goals from Brahima Diarra and Ala Zouhir securing the points for the home side.