Mahrez and Bounedjah thwarted by post and last-gasp Al Hilal clearance

Riyad Mahrez and Baghdad Bounedjah missed a remarkable opportunity to put Al Shamal ahead against Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday.

With the score level at 1-1 in the 35th minute at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais came off his line as Bounedjah lifted the ball towards the unguarded goal.

Mahrez attempted to guide the effort in with his head, but the ball struck the post. It rebounded to Bounedjah, who immediately shot towards goal, only for Al Hilal defender Yusuf Akcicek to make a crucial last-second intervention and clear the danger.

The save prevented Al Hilal from conceding what appeared to be a certain goal, leaving the two Algerian forwards visibly frustrated as Al Shamal were denied the chance to regain the lead.

The first half ended 1-1. Weslеy Said gave Al Shamal an eighth-minute lead before Salem Al-Dawsari equalised for Al Hilal in the 32nd minute.

Al Hilal had arrived in Qatar with a perfect record in the competition, having collected six points from their opening two matches.

They began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Qatari side Al Gharafa, then defeated Al Sadd 2-0 in the second round. The Saudi club are aiming to maintain their winning run in Asia.

Al Shamal, meanwhile, were seeking their first victory in the tournament. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad before being held to a goalless draw by Iran’s Tractor in their second match.

The fixture at Al Bayt Stadium is part of the third round of the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite.

The scheduled listings also show Al Hilal facing Al Fateh in the Saudi Roshn League on 31 October 2026. Al Shamal are listed to meet Al Istiqlal in the AFC Champions League Elite on 03 November 2026.