Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli maintained its perfect start to the Asian Champion League Elite on Monday as goals from Riyad Mahrez and Roger Ibanez sealed a 2-0 win over Al-Wasl.
Qatar’s Al-Sadd defeated Iran’s Esteghlal 2-0 as Persepolis and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan drew 1-1 in Tashkent in the second round of matches in the league phase of Asia’s revamped continental championship.
Mahrez struck in the third minute in Dubai to put Al-Ahli ahead after deftly controlling Ibanez’s ball forward, and the pair switched roles seven minutes before the break for the Brazilian to double the lead.
The win moves Al-Ahli onto six points from two games in the western side of the draw after Matthias Jaissle’s side started the campaign with a win over Iran’s Persepolis two weeks ago.
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Al-Sadd secured its first victory after drawing with defending champion Al-Ain two weeks ago as Felix Sanchez’s side downed Esteghlal.
A mistimed punch by goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini five minutes before halftime put Al-Sadd in front, and Akram Afif’s 68th-minute penalty sealed the win.
The second round of league phase matches in the western half of the draw continues on Tuesday when Al-Ain travels to Qatar to face Al-Gharafa. Four-time continental champions Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia will host Al-Shorta.
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