Arabian Lions Roar in Asia: Hussein Irbid Cruises Past Ahal to Lead the Group

Match Report

Hussein Irbid, the defending Jordanian champions, strengthened their Asian campaign by routing Ahāl of Turkmenistan 4-1 on Tuesday in the second round of Group Three in the Asian Champions League 2.

Ahmed Beni Mustafa opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a quick pass from teammate Yousef Abu Jalboush. Ahāl leveled in the 21st minute from a penalty converted by Ilman Tajayev.

Louis Cacori restored Hussein’s lead in the 33rd minute, and in the 37th minute Yousef Abu Jalboush left the field due to injury, making way for Firās Ghattāshā. Latier Val extended the advantage with Hussein’s third in the 38th minute.

Just before the break, Cacori struck again at 45+4 minutes to make it 4-1 and put the result beyond doubt for the Jordanian side.

In the second half, Ahāl pressed more but foundlittle luck against Hussein’s defense, with goalkeeper Yasef Abu Layla pulling off several important stops, including a notable reaction save to a Merzaiev effort.

The home side then shuffled personnel, bringing on Ahmed Assaf and Hisham Al-Mubaydīn earlier in the period, as coach Kim Matchado looked to maintain energy levels for upcoming fixtures. Hussein Irbid had already claimed a win in the previous round, a 1-0 victory over Sepahan, and now sit atop Group Three with six points.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan’s travel to Iran to face Sepahan was initially postponed. The AFC later ruled Mohun Bagan’s defeat as a 0-3 loss by default, elevating Sepahan to three points and tightening the group’s table—although Hussein remains in front, with two further rounds to come.

As the international window pauses the schedule, Matchado praised his squad for their performance and emphasized the need to recharge while staying ready for the next set of matches aimed at a deep continental run.

Hussein Irbid reinforced their squad in the offseason with Ahmed Beni Mustafa, arriving from Romania, as well as Pedro Henrique and Latier Val, among others. Departures included Mohammed Abu Zrik “Sharra” to Ramtha, and Magdi Al-Tar’s move to another club, with several players switching teams or going on loan as the campaign advances.

Punchline 1: If football were a sniper rifle, Hussein Irbid just fired four perfect shots—bingo, bingo, bingo, bingo.

Punchline 2: And if that net had a calendar, it would be filled with red-letter days now—Hussein’s strike rate just RSVP’d to every match.