JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia`s Al-Ahli beat Japan`s KawasakiFrontale2-Otowin the Asian Champions League Elite title for the first time at a raucous King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

Brazil winger Galeno broke Kawasaki`s resistance in the 35th minute when he bent an unstoppable strike into the top corner to send the home side on the way to their first Asian title, with Franck Kessie heading in the second seven minutes later.

The victory makes Al-Ahli the third Saudi club to win the competition in its various guises, joining city rivals and twice winners Al-Ittihad and Riyadh`s four-times champions Al-Hilal.

`We are so proud,` said Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. `Once we knew the final eight would be played in Jeddah it was our goal to be champions in front of our fans. As I said when I signed here, it`s to make history, to continue to win trophies and make this club as big as it was before.

With the win, Mendy, Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez become the first players to capture both Asian club football`s premier title and its European equivalent.

The trio won the Champions League with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Al Ahli, who are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia`s Public Investment Fund, are awarded $10 million for clinching the title.-Agencies