En-Nesyri strikes late as Al-Ittihad claim vital Asian win over Neftchi Fergana

Al-Ittihad secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Neftchi Fergana after Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 90th minute of their AFC Champions League Elite meeting at Independence Stadium.

The Saudi club appeared set to settle for a draw before the Morocco international produced the decisive moment, firing his side to three valuable points after a difficult encounter in Uzbekistan.

Neftchi Fergana made the stronger start and took the lead in the 17th minute through Jamshed Iskanderov’s penalty. The spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review after the ball struck the hand of Al-Ittihad forward George Ilenikhena.

That left Al-Ittihad facing the task of recovering from an early setback, but the visitors responded with greater attacking intent as they searched for an equaliser.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 34th minute when Algeria international Houssem Aouar brought the match level with a well-placed header. The goal gave Al-Ittihad renewed belief before the interval and ensured the teams went into half-time on equal terms.

The second half developed into an open contest, with both sides creating opportunities as they attempted to take control of the match. Neither team was able to find the finishing touch, however, and a draw appeared increasingly likely as the final whistle approached.

Then, in the final minute of normal time, En-Nesyri emerged as the match-winner. His 90th-minute goal completed Al-Ittihad’s comeback and prevented the Saudi side from dropping further points in their continental campaign.

The win lifts Al-Ittihad to four points and moves them temporarily into seventh place in the West region standings.

Neftchi Fergana remain on three points and sit ninth in the table. For Al-Ittihad, the result provides an important boost before the club’s remaining AFC Champions League Elite fixtures.