Jeddah: Al-Ahli Saudi FC qualified for the second round of the Intercontinental Cup after defeating their New Zealand visitors, Auckland City FC, 1-0 in their first-round match today at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Ahli owes its victory to Saleh Abu Shamat, who scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute. The match also saw Auckland City’s Sam Cosgrove sent off in the final minute.

With this win, Al-Ahli will face Toluca FC of Mexico, the CONCACAF champions, in the next round, scheduled for September 8th in Mexico. Al-Ahli also reached the second round of the international tournament last year after winning the AFC Champions League title for two consecutive seasons, but were eliminated after losing to Pyramids FC of Egypt 1-3.