Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly scored a goal and provided an assist as Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal defeated Qatari heavyweights Al-Sadd in the league phase of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
Al-Hilal were in front after 25 minutes as Koulibaly set up Turkish teenager Yusuf Akcicek to finish off from close range.
Koulibaly would go on to extend Al-Hilal’s lead in the 40th minute when he latched on to a cross from Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves and converted from six yards.
Al Sadd got a goal back in the 63rd minter through former Liverpool and Al-Ahli forward Roberto Firmino before they were denied a chance to level 10 minutes later after Pedro Miguel’s effort was disallowed for offside.
Al-Hilal extended their lead in the 81st minute thanks to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic while Kaio Cesar failed to make it 4-1 in added time after missing from the penalty spot.
Full mark after three #ACLElite games šš pic.twitter.com/jSmps0oDf9
ā AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) October 21, 2025
Al-Hilal are top of the west standings with nine points from three games, two points clear of rivals Al-Ahli as well as Al-Ahli Dubai and Al-Wahda, both of the United Arab Emirates.
