RIYADH: Shabab Al-Ahli are back in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals for the first time in 11 years after edging out Thailand’s Buriram United 3-2 in a dramatic quarter-final.
The Dubai side led 2-0 by the hour mark before Buriram mounted a swift comeback, but Renan’s extra-time winner sealed progression and a place in the final four — the team’s first since 2015.
Shabab Al-Ahli took the lead in the 13th minute when Peter Zulj turned the ball into his own net. Saeid Ezatolahi doubled the advantage in the 49th minute with his second goal in a week, but the momentum soon shifted.
Ezatolahi conceded a penalty after handling in the area, with Brazilian forward Guilherme Bissoli converting from the spot to reduce the deficit. Six minutes later, Zulj atoned for his earlier mistake, firing a low strike past Hamad Al-Meqbaali to level the score at 2-2.
The equalizer forced extra time, but Shabab Al-Ahli struck early. Renan, who had assisted Ezatolahi’s goal, found the net in the 93rd minute — enough to secure victory for Paulo Sousa’s side despite late pressure from the Thai champions.
The match offered a clearer picture of Shabab Al-Ahli’s strengths and vulnerabilities. For the opening hour, they pressed aggressively and transitioned fluidly, with Federico Cartabia, Yuri Cesar, Guilherme Bala and Mateusao constantly interchanging positions to stretch the opposition.
However, all three goals came from set-pieces, underlining concerns about their finishing from open play — an issue that could prove decisive in the semifinals.
Equally troubling was their drop-off after going 2-0 ahead. Buriram’s quickfire equalizer exposed defensive lapses and signs of fatigue, offering encouragement to their next opponents.
Shabab Al-Ahli will face Japan’s Machida Zelvia in the semifinals at Al-Inma Stadium on April 21, a day after Vissel Kobe take on Al-Ahli in the other last-four tie. The final is scheduled for April 25.
Progression keeps Emirati and West Asian hopes alive, with the Red Knights aiming to become only the second UAE club to win the title.
The competition remains wide open. Both Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia are chasing maiden crowns, raising the prospect of an all-Japanese final, while Al-Ahli — the defending champions — are bidding to become the first side since Al-Ittihad in 2005 and 2006 to retain the title.
