Al Ahli extended their perfect start to four matches after an impressive 5-1 win over Iraq’s Al Shorta in their AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 tie at King Abdullah Sports City on Monday. Braces from Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez, along with a goal from Feras Al Brikan, brought Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli closer to securing a place in the knockout stage. Al Shorta’s strategy of taking the game to their opponents saw Mohanad Ali attempt an audacious long-range effort from the right side of the box, which was comfortably collected by Al Ahli keeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi. The Iraqi outfit tried again in the third minute when Hussein Ali delivered a precise through ball to Mohammed Dawood, whose effort drew a brilliant save from Al Sanbi. Ameer Sabah came close again for Al Shorta in the ninth minute with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target, while Al Ahli’s Ibanez blew a chance to score from close range, steering Mahrez’s cross just over the bar. The hosts finally found their rhythm in the 14th minute after Ziyad Al Johani sent a well-timed cross to Firmino, who scored with a glancing header over Al Shorta keeper Ahmed Basil. Al […]