#ACLElite - Matchday One: What They Said

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

#ACLElite - Matchday One: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ got off to an enthralling start, with Matchday One delivering goals, drama and memorable performances across the continent.

The-AFC.com looks back at what some of the key protagonists had to say after the opening round of matches.

FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) 2-1 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) 2-1 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

Pretoria: AFC Champions League Elite™ holders Al Ahli Saudi FC suffered a 2-1 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup 2026 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

Nuno Santos struck twice for the African champions, with Al Ahli’s only goal coming through a Ronwen Williams own goal, as the Saudi Arabian side’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 campaign came to an end.

Matchday One: Five Takeaways

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

Matchday One: Five Takeaways

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 got off to an emphatic start the past week as the continent's top 32 clubs went head to head.

The-AFC.com highlights five takeaways after an exhilarating round of matches.

Matchday One: Facts & Figures

Fri, 18 Sep, 2026

Matchday One: Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: The opening matchday of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ had it all - big wins, upsets and more.

After a furious round of action, the-AFC.com takes a look at some facts and figures that caught the eye.

Skibbe applauds keeper Gonda after nervy Vissel win

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

Skibbe applauds keeper Gonda after nervy Vissel win

Thammasat: Michael Skibbe reserved special praise for goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda following Vissel Kobe’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Port FC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Wednesday.

Yoshinori Muto scored the winner just after the hour mark after Ren Komatsu had given the Japanese side a 10th minute lead, only to deflect Issam Al Sabhi’s header in first half stoppage time past his own goalkeeper for the equaliser at the Thammasat Stadium.

Skibbe admitted that Vissel had survived a tough test against the Thai side.

Jeonbuk’s fighting spirit impresses Chung

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

Jeonbuk’s fighting spirit impresses Chung

Jeonju: Head coach Chung Jung-yong praised Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC’s determination after the two-time champions came from behind to defeat Kashiwa Reysol 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Wednesday.

Kenshin Yuba’s fine individual effort gave the Japanese side a 30th minute lead but Tiago Orobo drew Jeonbuk level three minutes after the restart before substitute Italo struck the winner after coming off the bench in the 69th minute.

Chung was delighted with the response from his players after the interval, saying their ability to execute his tactical plan had been key to the turnaround.