AFC Champions League Elite - Al Ahli’s Jaissle relieved; Shabab’s Sousa rues errors

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC head coach Matthias Jaissle admitted he had not anticipated a dramatic end after his side staved off a late fightback to defeat Shabab Al Ahli 4-3 in their concluding AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ tie on Monday.

Having already confirmed qualification, Jaissle’s squad rotation seemed to have worked out after the defending champions raced to a 4-0 lead.

Shabab Al Ahli, however, kept going to come within a goal of salvaging a point, with Jaissle relieved that time ran out for the United Arab Emirates side.

#ACLElite | Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 4-3 Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

“I didn't expect to win by such a result. If I had thought two hours beforehand that we would win like this, it would have been difficult,” said Jaissle. “We used this match to rotate players and give others a complete rest, but we need to focus even more.”

The win looks to have assured the Saudi Pro League side a second-placed finish in the West Zone standings but Jaissle said there is still much to be done and urged the players to challenge for the right to be in the starting lineup.

Despite suffering defeat, Shabab Al Ahli’s Round of 16 berth was confirmed after Uzbekistan’s PFC Nasaf stunned fellow UAE side Sharjah FC but head coach Paulo Sousa was frustrated by the defensive lapses.

“After the first goal, we tried to get back into the game, but we conceded two goals that weren't the result of Al Ahli's efforts, but rather individual errors,” said Sousa.

“However, the players' reaction was positive and if there had been more time, we might have come back.”

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