JEDDAH — Al Ahli missed out on a sixth straight win in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 on Monday as they were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Esteghlal of Iran. Ivan Toney's two penalties salvaged a point for the hosts, who faced a resilient 10-man Esteghlal in the closing stages. Raphael Silva opened the scoring for Esteghlal in the 42nd minute, volleying in after a set-piece scramble. Toney equalized from the spot just before halftime following a foul on Fahad Al Rashidi. Esteghlal regained the lead in the 52nd minute with Mohammad Hossein Eslami's impressive strike, but Toney converted a second penalty four minutes from time after Eslami's dismissal for a foul on Saad Yaslam. The game ended in controversy as Feras Al Brikan's injury-time goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled him offside. Despite the draw, Al Ahli, already assured of a last-16 spot, remain unbeaten and top Group D with 16 points. Esteghlal, on five points, face an uphill battle with two matches left. Both teams created early chances, with Gustavo Blanco Leschuk and Jaloliddin Masharipov coming close for Esteghlal. Riyad Mahrez nearly leveled for Al Ahli in first-half injury time, striking the crossbar before Toney converted his first penalty moments later. Esteghlal regained the lead early in the second half through Eslami's long-range effort, but the Iranian winger's red card in the 81st minute shifted momentum back to the hosts. Toney's second penalty restored parity, but Al Ahli couldn't capitalize on their numerical advantage as Esteghlal's defense held firm under pressure.
