Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeddah: Often an understudy to Omar Al Somah, Al Ahli’s Mohanad Assiri has finally gotten his chance in the Syrian striker’s absence and looks to seal a starting spot for club and country.
Mohannad Assiri’s Al Ahli career has been intertwined with that of Omar Al Somah since the very beginning. The 31-year-old arrived at the club from Al Shabab in August 2014, a month after the arrival of his Syrian teammate. Since then Assiri has constantly played second fiddle to Al Somah.
When news emerged in late December that Al Somah had suffered a serious ankle injury that would keep him out for three months, Al Ahli fans feared their entire season was in danger of falling apart. After all, Al Somah was the league’s top goal scorer for the past three years and had already netted 10 league goals for them this season.
But in their talisman’s absence, forward stepped Assiri, confident that he had found the perfect opportunity to present his credentials as an equally prolific poacher.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The-AFC.com has announced that Taiseer Al Jassam of Al Ahli is the winner of this week’s Goal of the Week presented by Allianz for Matchday Two of the 2018 AFC Champions League after a public vote on the AFC’s official website.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuwait City: After a managerial career that took him to five different Asian countries, Portuguese coach Antonio Oliveira, better known as Toni, reflects on great times at Tractorsazi Tabriz and playing in the AFC Champions League.
Tractorsazi had achieved their highest-ever finish in the Iran Pro League in the 2011-12 season, ending the campaign as runners-up, a single point behind champions Sepahan, which meant the club would be making their AFC Champions League debut the following season.
An experienced coach was needed to help the club navigate this new territory, and with past experiences in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and China PR, Toni was the chosen one for the challenge. The Portuguese remembers his first encounter with Tractorsazi players.
“I remember my first day; I told the players that being there was a challenge for me,” the 71-year-old told the-AFC.com.
“I explained to them that I want to bring my experience as a coach and as a player, to help them become not only better players, but better men too. I always give 100 percent to be engaged with the players.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli claimed all three points thanks to goals from Taiseer Al Jassem and Mohannad Asseri in a 2-1 home victory over Emirati side Al Jazira in their 2018 AFC Champions League Group A game on Monday.
It took only nine minutes for the hosts to open the scoring after captain Al Jassem fired a low drive from the edge of the area that left the goalkeeper helpless.
Romarinho came close to leveling the score after his attempt from the edge of the box was denied by goalkeeper Yasser Al Mosaliem in the 19th minute.
Five minutes later, the Brazilian succeeded in beating the goalkeeper but his shot was cleared on the line by Australian defender Mark Milligan.
Al Ahli doubled their lead after Abdulafttah Assiri was fouled by Yaqoub Al Hosani inside the box and Al Ahli were awarded a penalty which was converted by Mohannad Aseri in the 70th minute.
A late own goal from Al Mosaileem proved too little too late for Al Jazira, Ali Mabkhout's shot from close range deflecting off the goalkeeper and ending in the back of the net.
Al Ahli travel to Doha to face Al Gharafa on Matchday Three, while Al Jazira welcome Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz.