Al Ahly produced a stunning second-half display to turn their AFC Champions League group stage clash on its head, scoring three goals in a devastating 45-minute spell that left Machida Zelvia shell-shocked. The Egyptian giants, trailing at the break, completely transformed their performance after the interval to secure a vital victory.
The first half had been a frustrating affair for the Red Devils. Machida, compact and disciplined, frustrated Al Ahly’s attacking efforts and took a deserved lead into the tunnel. But whatever was said in the dressing room at halftime worked wonders.
Within minutes of the restart, Al Ahly found their rhythm. The equaliser came in the 52nd minute, a well-worked move finished coolly past the Machida goalkeeper. The goal visibly lifted the home side and deflated the Japanese visitors.
Al Ahly did not stop there. They piled on the pressure, and the second goal arrived just after the hour mark. A defensive lapse from Machida was punished ruthlessly, giving Al Ahly the lead for the first time in the match. The stadium erupted.
The third goal, scored in the 78th minute, sealed the result. It was a clinical counter-attack that sliced through the Machida defence. The visitors had no answer. In the space of 45 second-half minutes, Al Ahly had turned a potential defeat into a commanding win.
By the numbers, the turnaround was remarkable. Al Ahly registered 12 shots in the second half compared to just 4 in the first. Their passing accuracy jumped from 78% to 91%. They won 68% of their duels after the break. Machida, who had looked so organised in the first half, simply could not cope with the intensity.
The result keeps Al Ahly firmly in contention for top spot in the group. For Machida, it was a bitter pill to swallow after such a promising first 45 minutes. The “cursed” half, as some might call it, will be one they will want to forget quickly.
