JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Al-Ahli won its first AFC Champions League Elite title after beating Kawasaki Frontale of Japan 2-0 in the final on Saturday.
The star-studded Jeddah team, playing at home in front of 60,000 fans at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, deserved what was a comfortable victory and completed an unbeaten tournament.
First-half goals from Galeno and Franck Kessie put the two-time beaten finalist in control against the five-time Japanese champion.
The tournament quarterfinals, semifinals and final were staged in Jeddah and Al-Ahli rode a wave of support.
The hosts were on top early and made the breakthrough after 35 minutes. Roberto Firmino fed Galeno outside the area and the Brazilian winger, signed from Porto in January for around $55 million, sent a curling shot into the top corner.
Three minutes before the break, Firmino crossed from the right for Kessie, and the former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder headed home from close range. Firmino won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.