Youssef En-Nesyri’s late set-piece earns Al-Ittihad crucial Asian victory

Youssef En-Nesyri scored his first direct free-kick goal to give Al-Ittihad a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbek side Neftchi in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday.

The Morocco striker struck in the 90th minute to complete a late comeback and secure three points for Al-Ittihad in the third round of the competition.

The result takes the Saudi club to four points in the current campaign, after a draw and a defeat in their opening two matches. En-Nesyri’s decisive contribution also brought a surge of praise from Al-Ittihad supporters, who celebrated the forward’s display and his role in ending the team’s difficult start.

The goal carried added significance because it was the first time En-Nesyri had scored directly from a free-kick during his career. His unusual finish immediately became the focus of the reaction surrounding the match, with fans praising the technique that delivered victory for the club known as the Asian Brigadier.

En-Nesyri had already put together an influential season before the match. The goal against Neftchi took his tally for Al-Ittihad to eight in 14 appearances across domestic and continental competitions. He has also provided two assists during that period.

The Moroccan forward’s late strike ensured Al-Ittihad avoided dropping further points in the AFC Champions League Elite following their mixed results in the first two rounds. It also gave the side momentum ahead of their next fixtures.

Al-Ittihad are scheduled to face Abha in the Roshn Saudi League on 30 October 2026. They will then play Tractor in the AFC Champions League Elite on 02 November 2026, with Neftchi also listed among their opponents in the competition.

En-Nesyri’s goal was therefore not only his first direct free-kick finish, but also the moment that secured Al-Ittihad’s first victory of the current AFC Champions League Elite campaign.