FIFA Intercontinental Cup
A well-taken goal from substitute Saleh Abu Al Shamat sealed the triumph for two-time AFC Champions League Elite™ winners Al Ahli in front of their own fans.
Up next for the Saudi Arabian side is a meeting with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns to settle the winners of the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on September 19. They are now two games away from an FIFA Intercontinental Cup decider against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Up next for the Saudi Arabian side is a meeting with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns to settle the winners of the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on September 19. They are now two games away from an FIFA Intercontinental Cup decider against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Under new head coach Marino Pusic, Al Ahli dominated the opening stages and had the first meaningful chance in the 17th minute when a side-footed effort from Galeno was well saved by Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud.
Auckland had not played a competitive match since winning the A-League Championship trophy in May, but they did not look out of place in Jeddah. Five minutes later, Logan Rogerson had a looping header tipped over by the sprawling Al Ahli keeper Edouard Mendy.
As a closely-contested opening half came to a close, New Zealand international Woud came to his side's rescue again when he tipped wide a fierce effort from Eduard Spertsian.
Auckland had not played a competitive match since winning the A-League Championship trophy in May, but they did not look out of place in Jeddah. Five minutes later, Logan Rogerson had a looping header tipped over by the sprawling Al Ahli keeper Edouard Mendy.
As a closely-contested opening half came to a close, New Zealand international Woud came to his side's rescue again when he tipped wide a fierce effort from Eduard Spertsian.
The deadlock was broken in fine fashion in the 63rd minute when Spertsian made a brilliant run down the left wing and laid the ball off to the onrushing Abu Al Shamat, who slotted home in style.
Auckland's hopes of a late comeback were handed a devastating blow when Sam Cosgrove was shown a straight red card for a high tackle in the final minutes.
The FIFA Derby of the Americas, the FIFA Challenger Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final will all take place at a centralised venue, to be confirmed at a later date.
Sources: FIFA, Al Ahli Saudi FC
Auckland's hopes of a late comeback were handed a devastating blow when Sam Cosgrove was shown a straight red card for a high tackle in the final minutes.
The FIFA Derby of the Americas, the FIFA Challenger Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final will all take place at a centralised venue, to be confirmed at a later date.
Sources: FIFA, Al Ahli Saudi FC
