AFC Champions League Elite
In a thoroughly dominant semi-final performance, Roberto Firmino and Toney struck in the first half, with Feras Al Brikan adding their third in second half stoppage tile after Salem Al Dawsari had pulled one back for Al Hilal.
The impressive win took Al Ahli into their third continental final, having had to settle for runners-up finishes in 1985/86 and 2012, with the English forward assuring that that the Jeddah-based club will do their to finally lay their hands on the trophy on Saturday.
“This was our second back to back win against Al Hilal (having beaten them in the Saudi Pro League) and it just goes to show the quality of our squad,” said Toney, who netted his sixth goal of the campaign.
“We're obviously happy with the result but we're still one step away from what we came here to do. Hopefully we'll be able to do the job.”
Al Ahli will face either Saudi Pro League rivals Al Nassr Club or Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale with Toney saying it is very important to stay grounded, especially after their semi-final performance.
“We're excited to be in the final but of course, it's a difficult task. With the win, we're going to go into the game with a good frame of mind which is good and hopefully we'll win. The fans were immense."
“Like the saying goes, the 12th man got us over the line, which were the fans. It comes into play when you're here and there.
“The atmosphere was crazy and I think we deserved to win, especially with the supporters behind us. I'm sure they'll do their job in the final. We can't promise to win but we do promise to work our hardest to win.”
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