Afsha the gamechanger as Al Ahly progress to last-four

Al Ahly win again in what was a close second-round contest with Seattle Sounders.

The inspired substitute appearance of Mohamed Afsha proved pivotal as Al Ahly eventually found a way to unlock a solid Seattle Sounders side. Due to the significance of his cameo, Afsha was selected as the Technical Study Group's Man of the Match.

Round two: Seattle Sounders FC 0 - 1 Al Ahly SC

MAN OF THE MATCH presented by Visit Saudi: Mohamed Afsha (Al Ahly)

Afsha was introduced in the 63^rd minute as part of a triple substitution whereby Al Ahly's attacking strategy changed. There was a definitive impact as Marcel Koller's side became more effective at stretching the game and finding space in front of the CONCACAF Champions' defence. Afsha played a significant role, getting into central spaces to receive and play the ball forwards and then followed these actions with strong, penetrative forward runs.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 88^th minute after Afsha intercepted the ball and performed his trademark actions in this game, his second attempt at goal taking a slight deflection before it rippled the net.

Afsha's goal is a showcase of dribbling from deep, combination play and instinctive ball-striking.

Afsha penetrates with his forward run from a deep position and again nearly finishes an attack that he himself was integral to the build-up to.

According to Cha Du-Ri, "Al Ahly had to work very hard for this victory against a very solid and strong Seattle defence. The substitutions in the second half really changed the game though and Afsha was really impactful at getting between the lines and was excellent with the ball at his feet.

"He started and finished the whole move for the winning goal, intercepting the ball, progressing it, and after his first shot came back off the crossbar, his second one had a deflection, but his impact made the difference in the game. He was fresh and sharp and with the ball, he always had good ideas.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing them play against Real Madrid in the semi-final because I think it will be a more open game and Al Ahly will like that," he concluded.