Youssef En-Nesyri fires Al-Ittihad to first AFC Champions League Elite win

Moroccan international Youssef En-Nesyri scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to inspire Al-Ittihad to their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite after edging Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana 2-1 on Monday.

The Saudi Pro League giants secured all three points in their third-round fixture in the West Zone, with En-Nesyri delivering the decisive moment in the closing stages to rescue his side after a difficult start to their continental campaign.

Neftchi Fergana took the lead in the 17th minute through Jamshid Iskanderov, who converted from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead.

Al-Ittihad responded with greater urgency and found an equaliser in the 34th minute when Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar struck to restore parity and give the hosts renewed hope of securing their first win in the competition.

With the game seemingly heading towards a draw, En-Nesyri stepped up in the first minute of stoppage time, unleashing a powerful left-footed free kick that beat the goalkeeper and sent Al-Ittihad into celebration.

The goal capped an impressive individual performance from the Moroccan forward, who has now registered eight goals and two assists across all competitions this season, underlining his importance to the Saudi outfit.

Al-Ittihad had opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qatar’s Al-Shamal before suffering a 2-1 defeat to the United Arab Emirates’ Shabab Al-Ahli in their second outing.

Monday’s victory therefore represents a significant boost for the Saudi side as they look to build momentum and improve their position in the West Zone standings.

Neftchi Fergana, meanwhile, suffered their second defeat of the campaign after beginning with a 1-0 victory over Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya before losing 3-1 to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr.

Al-Ittihad will next host UAE side Al-Ain on November 2 as they seek to continue their revival in the continental competition.