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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug 23, (AP): Al-Nassr advanced to the group stage of the Asian Champions League after three late goals in a 4-2 win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team trailed 2-1 before Sultan Al-Ghannam headed the equalizer in the 88th minute. Brazilian attacker Anderson Talisca then scored his second of the game in stoppage time before Marcelo Brozovic sealed it before the final whistle. Yahya Al-Ghassani scored twice in the first half for Al-Ahli. The win means Al-Nassr joins fellow big-spending Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Hilal, which has signed Neymar, Al-Ittihad and Al-Fahya in the group stage. The draw for the 32-team tournament, which starts next month, will be made on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
While Ronaldo will be there, the biggest name playing in the eastern half will miss out. Brazilian midfielder Oscar could not prevent Shanghai Port from losing 3-2 to BG Pathum United of Thailand. Defending champion Urawa Reds of Japan beat Lee Man Warriors of Hong Kong 3-0. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is joining Neymar’s new club in Saudi Arabia after Sevilla announced his transfer to Al Hilal.
The 32-yearold Bounou helped Morocco become the biggest surprise of last year’s World Cup when it reached the semifinals after beating both Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds. He also helped Sevilla lift its recordextending seventh Europa League title when it beat Roma in a penalty shootout in June. Bounou leaves Sevilla with two Europa League titles. He played 142 games – which included 58 clean sheets – for the club. Neymar joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, following high-profile moves by Cristiano Ronaldo last season and Karim Benzema also this summer to the oilrich country. Al Hilal, a record 18-time national champion, is one of four Saudi clubs effectively nationalized by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Sevilla announced the move but did not reveal the transfer fee for Bounou. Spanish media reports said it was 21 million euros ($22.8 million). Bounou was rumored to be among the ‘keepers Real Madrid was interested in signing to replace its injured Thibaut Courtois. Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived from Chelsea on loan instead.