JEDDAH — Al Ittihad edged Al Wahda 1-0 after extra time to book their place in the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals.
Fabinho struck from the penalty spot in the final seconds of extra time at King Abdullah Sports City, sealing a hard-fought victory and setting up a clash with FC Machida Zelvia.
Backed by a strong home crowd, Al Ittihad started brightly, with Steven Bergwijn causing early problems from a free-kick, while Stephane Keller saw his volley deflected into the side netting.
Al Wahda responded quickly on the counter, forcing Predrag Rajković into action after a dangerous moment involving Hassan Kadesh.
The contest tightened as chances became scarce, though Al Wahda came close before halftime when Abdulla Hamad capitalized on a defensive lapse, only to be denied by Rajković.
The visitors thought they had taken the lead early in the second half through Christian Benteke, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Al Wahda continued to threaten, with Facundo Kruspzky heading over from a promising position, while Al Ittihad missed a late chance through Danilo Pereira as the match went into extra time.
The deadlock finally broke deep into the additional period when a foul by Sasa Ivkovic on Abdulrahman Al-Obud resulted in a penalty, calmly converted by Fabinho to send Al Ittihad through.
Source: Saudi Gazette