Saleh Abu Al-Shamat's 63rd-minute goal gave Al Ahli a 1-0 victory over Auckland FC on Wednesday evening in the first round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026, played before more than 46,000 fans at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The win sends Al Ahli into the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup final, where they will meet African champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on September 19.