Al Ahli SC confirmed their progress to the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Round of 16 after a composed 2-0 success over PFC Andijon at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday. The Qatari outfit concluded Group B at the summit on 10 points, while the side from Uzbekistan exited the competition.
Al Ahli SC confirmed their progress to the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Round of 16 after a composed 2-0 success over PFC Andijon at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday. The Qatari outfit concluded Group B at the summit on 10 points, while the side from Uzbekistan exited the competition.
The opening exchanges favoured the home team. Erik Exposito forced Eldor Adkhamov into action with a low, spinning drive from outside the box moments before Sekou Yansane saw his attempt stopped following a precise setup from Julian Draxler.
The breakthrough arrived in 26 minutes. Michel Vlap stretched to redirect Draxler’s curling free kick into the net, leaving Adkhamov rooted and unable to react. The goal rewarded Al Ahli’s consistent pressure.
Al Ahli continued to carve out chances before the interval. Draxler and Exposito both struck the woodwork with the goalkeeper beaten, while Abdurakhmon Komilov produced a crucial intervention to deny Exposito from close range.
The second half opened in similar fashion, with Al Ahli dictating play. Driss Fettouhi unleashed a long-range strike that Adkhamov pushed away, highlighting the visitors’ struggles to limit shooting opportunities.
Andijon’s resistance faltered again in the 65th minute. Vlap found himself unmarked and drove a dipping effort beyond Adkhamov, doubling the advantage and tightening Al Ahli’s grip on the match.
Vlap came within inches of completing his hat trick late on when Exposito sent him through on goal, but his shot rolled narrowly off target. Despite that miss, the outcome was never in doubt.
The final whistle confirmed a fully merited victory for the hosts, whose control, creativity, and execution ensured their advancement to the knockout phase. For Andijon, the defeat sealed their elimination after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful group campaign.
