Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

S-final - Preview: Vissel Kobe (JPN) v Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC head coach Matthias Jaissle has called on his players to deliver their finest performance against Vissel Kobe in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ as the title holders look to book a return trip to the final.

The Saudi side showed their battling qualities to fight back from a goal down to defeat Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta’zim in the quarter-finals despite playing most of the match with 10 men and Jaissle expressed his desire to see his team excel in all departments to see off the Japanese outfit.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-preview-semi-finals

Sakai calls for bravery; Toney confident of delivering

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Sakai calls for bravery; Toney confident of delivering

Jeddah: Vissel Kobe defender Gotoku Sakai has called on his teammates to be brave when they take on star-studded defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Final Jeddah 2026™ at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Monday.

The Japanese club are attempting to qualify for the final for the first time after seeing off Qatar’s Al Sadd SC in a penalty shoot-out in the previous round and next face an Al Ahli side featuring the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Franck Kessie.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-quarter-finals-buriram-united-tha-2-3-shabab-al-ahli-uae

Q-finals: Facts & Figures

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Q-finals: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ concluded on Saturday with fans treated to four scintillating matches.

There was joy for the teams which advanced while the dreams of the losing sides were dashed.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the quarter-finals.

Sousa pleased to see Shabab Al Ahli pass stiff test

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Sousa pleased to see Shabab Al Ahli pass stiff test

Jeddah: Head coach Paulo Sousa was overjoyed after seeing Shabab Al Ahli pass a stern test by defeating Buriram United 3-2 on Saturday to stay on track for the AFC Champions League Finals Jeddah 2026™ title.

Portuguese tactician Sousa, who saw his team were on the ropes after Buriram clawed back from 2-0 down to draw level, showed his tactical acumen by sending on Sultan Adil and Sergio Damian - a move which saw the UAE side wresting back control.

Buriram’s set-play frailties frustrate Jackson

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Buriram’s set-play frailties frustrate Jackson

Jeddah: For the second successive season, Buriram United bid goodbye to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ at the quarter-final stage after their 3-2 defeat to Shabab Al Ahli on Saturday.

Head coach Mark Jackson admitted he was exasperated after watching the Thai side struggle to cope with Shabab’s set-piece proficiency with all three goals conceded from corner kicks.

Q-final: Shabab Al Ahli stave off spirited Buriram to advance

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Q-final: Shabab Al Ahli stave off spirited Buriram to advance

Jeddah: Shabab Al Ahli needed extra time to see off Buriram United as the UAE side advanced to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ semi-finals with a 3-2 win on Saturday.

Paulo Sousa’s side squandered a 2-0 lead which forced the quarter-final into extra time and had Renan Victor’s 93rd minute strike to thank as they set up a last four encounter with Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia on Tuesday.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/q-final-buriram-united-tha-v-shabab-al-ahli-uae