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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Defending champion Al Ahli reached the final of the AFC Champions League Elite after Ivan Toney’s second-half goal beat Vissel Kobe of Japan 2-1 on Monday.<\/p>\n
In Saturday’s final in Jeddah, Al Ahli will face Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates or Machida Zelvia of Japan, who meet on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Al Ahli came from behind after Vissel Kobe took the lead in the 32nd minute. Yuya Osako headed a free kick into the path of Yushinori Muto, who finished from close range.<\/p>\n
The Saudi Pro League side came close to equalizing just before halftime when Rayad Hamad hit the post with a header, and England striker Toney backheeled narrowly wide moments later.<\/p>\n
Toney had the ball in the net five minutes after the restart, running clear to fire low from just inside the area, but the effort was ruled out for offside.<\/p>\n
Kobe nearly doubled its lead soon after, only for Daiju Sasaki’s shot to rebound off the crossbar.<\/p>\n
Al Ahli equalized in the 62nd when Brazilian winger Galeno curled a shot into the top corner from 25 meters, and then took the lead eight minutes later when the Kobe goalkeeper’s parry fell to Toney, whose first-time shot went in through a crowded area in front of goal.<\/p>\n
Riyad Mahrez thought he had added a third with 15 minutes remaining, but the effort from the former Manchester City star was disallowed for offside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n