Central Coast Mariners and their treble quest remains on track after they won a continental title for the first time – clinching the AFC Cup 1-0 over Al-Ahed.
Substitute Alou Kuol was the hero for Isuzu UTE A-League premiers the Mariners in Oman, where Central Coast edged Lebanese outfit Al-Ahed on Monday (AEST).
Kuol came off the bench and settled the final in the 84th minute to not only ensure the Mariners got their hands on another piece of silverware but $2.3million in prizemoney.
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Mariners skipper Danny Vukovic produced a fine save to deny Al-Ahed striker Lee Erwin in the first half before Kuol split the opponents’ defence and fired the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Mostafa Matar.
It marked the first AFC crown in Central Coast’s history, while they are the first Australian side to win a continental trophy in Asia since Western Sydney Wanderers reigned supreme in the 2014 AFC Champions League.
It also marked the end of the AFC Cup, with the competition to be scrapped next season in favour of three new tournaments – the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League 2 and AFC Challenge Cup.
Having clinched the A-Leagues Premiership for the first time in 12 years last week, Central Coast – who will feature in the 2024-25 Champions League Elite – are a step closer to completing the treble.
The Mariners will make the long journey home for the Finals Series, with Mark Jackson’s side set to meet Sydney FC in the two-legged Semi-Final, starting Friday night.
