Al-Ahli Saudi Vs Kawasaki Frontale Highlights, AFC Champions League Final: AHL 2-0 KWF; Hosts Clinch Maiden Title

Greetings and a warm welcome to everyone joining us for a Super Saturday evening replete with football action. The AFC Champions League Elite final is coming up and we will bring to you the build-up as well as live updates from the clash between Al-Ahli Saudi and Kawasaki Frontale, so watch this space.

Here's how the two teams line up ahead of kick-off in Jeddah:

The stage is beautifully set for this title round encounter. The atmosphere is electric in Jeddah, with a full house that includes enough supporters of the Japanese club as well as the Saudi side. The players stride out to the pitch. Kick-off coming up in just a few minutes.

Both sides have created chances in the first 17 minutes. Al-Ahli Saudi attacking from right to left and Kawasaki Frontale from left to right in the first half. The on-air commentators too acknowledge that the game has gotten off to a good start.

What a way to open the scoring in a final. Galeno finds the top corner at the far post from distance to send Al-Ahli Saudi in front. It was Firmino's assist that set up Galeno, but the Brazilian winger had to find the space and direct his long-ranger perfectly. He did exactly that.

Franck Kessie doubles Al-Ahli Saudi's lead in the 42nd minute. Firmino lines up the assist once again, a pinpoint cross and Kessie makes no mistake with the header to put the hosts firmly on top, going into half-time.

Shin Yamada comes in for fellow striker Erison as Kawasaki Frontale look to rebound in the second half. The early exchanges have seen Al-Ahli holding their own, though, and it remains to be seen where the Japanese side's possible opener will come from.

They are not getting the goals, but Kawasaki are trying their best to switch things up tactically, employing fresh legs in the hope of a turnaround. Yuki Yamamoto is subbed out for Yuto Ozeki and Akihiro Ienaga for Tatsuya Ito. Meanwhile, Gabri Veiga comes in for Al-Ahli goal-scorer Galeno and Feras Albrikan for Roberto Firmino.

Al-Ahli are crowned Asian champions! They lift the AFC Champions League title for the first time ever, beating Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

By earning their maiden AFC Champions League Elite title, Al-Ahli Saudi have become the 25th club to lift the continental trophy. The prestigious tournament now has a new champion for the first time since Kashima Antlers in 2018.