DUBAI : Julian Draxler scored directly from a corner as Al Ahli SC beat Jordan’s Al Hussein 3-1 on Sunday to reach the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two.
Erik Exposito put Al Ahli ahead in the second minute, but Yousef Qashi equalised in the 21st before Draxler’s curling set-piece in the 65th minute restored the Qatari side’s lead. Michel Vlap sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty.
Al Ahli will face Al Nassr Club in Wednesday’s semi-final, with the winners to meet Japan’s Gamba Osaka in next month’s final.
Exposito opened the scoring early, meeting Draxler’s cross with a diving header after beating the offside trap. He nearly doubled the lead soon after, setting up Sekou Yansane, whose effort was saved by goalkeeper Yazeed Abdulaila.
Al Hussein drew level when Yousef Abu Jalboush delivered a cross that led to Ashley Coffey’s header hitting the post, with Qashi converting the rebound.
The turning point came midway through the second half when Draxler’s inswinging corner caught Abdulaila off guard and curled straight into the net.
Al Hussein pushed for an equaliser, with Aref Al Haj forcing a save from Marwan Badreldin, while Abdulaila denied Yansane at the other end.
But Al Ahli secured victory in stoppage time after a foul by Obieda Al Namarnah led to a penalty, which Vlap calmly converted to confirm their place in the last four.
