Defending champions Al Hilal will tackle Al Duhail for a spot within the Asian Champions League ultimate after Ramon Diaz’s facet earned a late 1-Zero win over Iranian workforce Foolad in Doha.
Moussa Marega struck three minutes from time to take Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal into the semi-finals, the place Qatar’s Al Duhail await after a double from Michael Olunga secured a 2-1 victory over Al Shabab.
The winners of Sunday’s conflict will face Japanese facet Urawa Crimson Diamonds – who secured their place within the decider final yr – in a two-legged ultimate on April 29 and Might 6.
Al Duhail, the Qatar Stars League leaders, might be showing within the semi-finals for the primary time after Olunga scored two late targets to earn his facet victory at Al Thumama Stadium.
“It is a gorgeous feeling to assist the workforce with the targets, to attain two targets,” Olunga mentioned.
“It is wonderful and that is one thing constructive, it provides me confidence to go on preventing for the workforce.
“We simply need to proceed working as a workforce and put up higher outcomes.”
The Kenyan gave Al Duhail the lead 13 minutes from time when he steered Nam Tae-hee’s nook from the fitting previous Al Shabab’s South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu with a well-taken downward header.
He doubled the benefit eight minutes later, netting after Ismael Mohammed’s low cross from the fitting discovered the previous Kashiwa Reysol striker unmarked to side-foot the ball house.
Saeed Al Rubaie pulled one again for the Saudi facet three minutes into added time, volleying in Fawaz Al Saqour’s cross from shut vary to present Al Shabab hope however Al Duhail held on.
Al Hilal, in the meantime, survived a late scare when Foolad defender Mohammad Amin Hazbavi rattled the crossbar with a header earlier than Marega earned his workforce a barely deserved win within the 87th minute.
Substitute Saleh Al Shehri slipped the ball into the trail of Marega and the previous Porto ahead charged into the penalty space to strike a right-foot shot throughout goalkeeper Christopher Knett and into the far nook.
The win stored alive Al Hilal’s hopes of a record-extending fifth Asian title, and a 3rd in 4 seasons.
