Mahrеz and Bounedjah miss extraordinary chance as Al Shamal draw with Al Hilal

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

The incident came at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor during the third round of the league phase, with the score level at 1-1.

Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais had moved off his line when Bounedjah attempted to lift the ball over him and towards the unguarded goal. Mahrez tried to guide the effort in with his head, but the ball struck the post in the 35th minute.

The rebound fell back to Bounedjah, who directed a shot towards goal. However, Al Hilal defender Yusuf Akcicek made a last-second intervention to clear the ball and prevent what appeared to be a certain goal.

Mahrez and Bounedjah were left frustrated after Al Shamal were denied the chance to regain the lead.

The first half ended 1-1. Wesley Said gave Al Shamal an eighth-minute advantage 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 beat Qatari side Al-Gharafa 2-1 in the first round before defeating Al-Sadd 2-0 in the second.

The Saudi club were aiming to extend their winning start to the continental campaign.

Al Shamal, meanwhile, were seeking their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite after opening with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad. They then played out a goalless draw with Iran’s Tractor in the second round.

Al Hilal’s domestic schedule lists a Roshn Saudi League fixture against Al-Fateh on 31 October 2026, followed by an AFC Champions League Elite match against Esteghlal on 3 November 2026.

Al Shamal are also scheduled to play in the AFC Champions League Elite on 3 November 2026.