Ahli and Sadd reach Elite Champions League quarterfinals

Riyad Mahrez strikes a brilliant late free-kick.

RIYADH, April 14: Riyad Mahrez struck a brilliant late free-kick in extra time to send defending champions Al Ahli into the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite with a 1-0 victory over Qatar’s Al Duhail.

The Round of 16 clash was tightly contested, with both sides missing several chances in normal time. Al Duhail hit the woodwork twice, while Al Ahli also came close on multiple occasions, forcing the match into extra time.

Al Ahli thought they had won it earlier when they were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time of extra time, but Salah Zakaria produced a save to deny Ivan Toney.

However, with penalties looming, Mahrez delivered the decisive moment, curling a free-kick into the net with just minutes remaining to seal qualification and set up a quarter-final meeting with Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta'zim.

In the other match, Al Sadd edged Al Hilal 4-2 on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw following extra time.

Akram Afif converted the decisive spot-kick for Al Sadd, who had battled back repeatedly in a thrilling encounter.

The shootout saw misses from Roberto Firmino for Al Sadd, while Karim Benzema and Simon Banza were denied for Al Hilal.