Franck Kessié delivered a decisive Man of the Match performance as Al Ahli SFC secured a place in the AFC Champions League semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim FC in Jeddah.
The quarter-final tie, played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, looked to be slipping away from the Saudi side after JDT struck first through Jairo da Silva in the 20th minute.
The Malaysian champions showed early confidence and briefly controlled the rhythm of the game.
But the match turned before half-time, and Kessié proved to be the catalyst.
Deep into stoppage time (45+3′), the Ivorian midfielder stepped up with a crucial equaliser, restoring balance for Al Ahli just when they needed it most.
That goal not only changed the scoreline but also shifted the momentum of the entire contest.
Despite playing with 10 men, Al Ahli grew stronger, dominating possession phases and dictating the tempo through Kessié’s control in midfield.
His influence went beyond the goal. The 29-year-old broke up play, drove his team forward, and provided stability in high-pressure moments, helping Al Ahli manage the game against an increasingly urgent JDT side.
By the final whistle, his all-round display earned him the Man of the Match award, a recognition of both his decisive contribution and his leadership in a demanding knockout fixture.
Kessié’s impact in the competition continues to grow. He has now scored three goals in eight AFC Champions League appearances this season, underlining his consistency in key moments for Al Ahli.
After the break, Al Ahli completed the comeback with a second goal to secure a 2-1 victory.
JDT attempted to respond by introducing Bergson da Silva in the 75th minute to add attacking threat, but they could not find a breakthrough against a disciplined Saudi defence.
For the Malaysian side, the defeat ends a spirited campaign, while Al Ahli’s resilience once again highlighted their credentials as serious contenders for the continental title.
The result sets up a semi-final clash with Japan’s Vissel Kobe, who progressed after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Qatar’s Al Sadd.
From an African football perspective, Kessié’s Man of the Match display reinforces his standing as one of the continent’s most influential midfielders abroad.
His ability to deliver in high-stakes matches continues to define his reputation on the Asian stage.
As Al Ahli move one step closer to the final, their hopes remain closely tied to the form of their Ivorian star, a player once again proving his value when it matters most.
