Kessié and Galeno’s brilliance propels Al Ahli past JDTP in the ACLE 2026 Quarter-Finals. Read about the match’s pivotal moments and player highlights.
Introduction:
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, famously known as the “Shining Jewel,” bore witness to a night of incredible drama on Friday, April 17, 2026. In a quarter-final clash of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) Finals Jeddah 2026, defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 2-1.
Despite playing with ten men for over an hour, Matthias Jaissle’s side displayed the pedigree of champions, securing their passage to the semi-finals where they will face Japan’s Vissel Kobe.
For JDT, the “Southern Tigers,” it was a night of heartbreak. They were within touching distance of becoming the first Malaysian club to reach the semi-finals of Asia’s premier club competition, but they ultimately succumbed to the sheer individual brilliance and collective grit of the Saudi powerhouse. See also:Â Vissel Kobe Edge Al Sadd 5-4 on Penalties in Jeddah
The Majrashi Meltdown: Own Goal and Red Card Shocker
The match began with Al Ahli dominating possession, as expected. With Enzo Millot and Riyad Mahrez pulling the strings in midfield, the Saudi side looked to penetrate a disciplined JDT back five. However, in the 19th minute, the Kalinga-like atmosphere of Jeddah was silenced by a shock opener.
The goal came against the run of play. JDT’s Brazilian forward Jairo da Silva showcased his immense strength, outmuscling Roger Ibañez on the left flank before driving into the penalty area. His low, fizzing cross into the six-yard box was intended for the surging Marcos Leonardo, but Al Ahli right-back Ali Majrashi, in a desperate attempt to clear, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Things went from bad to worse for Majrashi and Al Ahli in the 37th minute. In a moment of madness during an aerial challenge, Majrashi attempted an overhead kick but instead caught Jairo squarely in the face with a high boot. The JDT striker was knocked unconscious and required immediate medical attention before being stretchered off. The referee had no hesitation in brandishing a straight red card for serious foul play. Down a goal and a man, the defending champions were staring into the abyss.
Kessié’s Aerial Prowess: The Turning Point Before the Break
The numerical disadvantage seemed to galvanize rather than demoralize the hosts. Matthias Jaissle tactically adjusted, dropping Franck Kessié deeper to cover the defensive gaps while allowing Mahrez and Wenderson Galeno to remain high as outlets.
As the fourth official signaled six minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Al Ahli launched a final assault. A pinpoint corner from Riyad Mahrez curled into the heart of the JDT box. Kessié, demonstrating the timing and power that has made him a fan favorite in Jeddah, rose unchallenged above the JDT defense to thump a header past goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre.
The 45+3′ equalizer was a massive psychological blow to JDT. Instead of going into the locker room with a lead and a man advantage, they found themselves pegged back by a side that refused to yield.
Galeno’s Moment of Magic: A Strike for the Highlight Reels
The second half began with JDT attempting to utilize their extra man by pushing their wing-backs higher. However, Al Ahli’s defensive structure, marshaled by Ibañez and Edouard Mendy, remained impenetrable. In the 54th minute, the stadium erupted as Wenderson Galeno produced a piece of individual magic that will likely be the goal of the tournament.
Picking up the ball nearly 30 yards out, the Brazilian winger cut inside onto his favored foot. Seeing Zubiaurre slightly off his line, Galeno unleashed a rasping, swerving strike that dipped late and flew into the top corner. It was a goal of pure technical excellence, putting the ten-man Al Ahli ahead for the first time in the match.
The Final Stand: Mendy and the Defensive Wall
Trailing 2-1, JDT manager Xisco Muñoz threw caution to the wind. He introduced the prolific Bergson da Silva and forward Yago in the 75th minute to bolster the attack. The Malaysian side threw everything at the Al Ahli goal in the final quarter-hour.
In the 76th minute, Yago found space inside the box and unleashed a low shot toward the bottom corner, but Edouard Mendy produced a spectacular flying save to maintain the lead. Minutes later, a goalmouth scramble saw Eddy Israfilov head toward goal from close range, only for Mendy to stand firm and catch the ball on the line.
Al Ahli’s composure in the dying minutes was exemplary. Despite the fatigue of playing with ten men, they managed to keep possession in the corners and frustrate the JDT players. When the final whistle blew, the relief and joy among the Al Ahli faithful were palpable. They had survived a nightmare start to keep their dreams of a back-to-back continental title alive.
Post-Match Analysis: Pedigree over Personnel
This victory will go down as one of the most significant in Matthias Jaissle’s tenure. To beat a team as organized and physically capable as JDT while playing 53 minutes with ten men requires more than just luck; it requires a tactical discipline that only top-tier teams possess.
For JDT, there will be a sense of profound regret. They had the reigning champions on the ropes but failed to capitalize on their numerical superiority. Their reliance on crosses was easily dealt with by Al Ahli’s height, and they lacked the creative spark to unlock a deep-sitting defense once Galeno put the hosts ahead.
Al Ahli now moves forward to the semi-finals on Monday, April 20, 2026. The only cloud on their horizon is the suspension of Ali Majrashi, though the return of their injured captain in the next round could provide a timely boost.
