Al Ahli meet Pusic's expectations

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Al Ahli meet Pusic's expectations

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC survived a tough test to walk away with a point in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Monday, with head coach Marino Pusic applauding his team's ability to remain focused.

Back-to-back champions Al Ahli - who have only lost one of their last 30 AFC Champions League Elite matches - looked set to kick off their title defence with a loss after Pakhtakor's Flamarion scored in the 85h minute at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Firas Al Brikan, however, salvaged a point with his equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-al-ahli-saudi-fc-ksa-1-1-pakhtakor-uzb

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/md1-al-ahli-saudi-fc-ksa-v-pakhtakor-uzb

Bakhtiarizadeh wants Esteghlal to aim higher

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Bakhtiarizadeh wants Esteghlal to aim higher

Basra: Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh paid tribute to his players after Esteghlal FC produced a clinical performance to defeat Al Sadd SC 3-0 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Monday. 

Jasir Asani opened the scoring for the Islamic Republic of Iran side, with further strikes from Saeid Saharkhizan and Esmaeil Gholizadeh confirming the points. 

Rodgers impressed with Al Qadsiah's resilience

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Rodgers impressed with Al Qadsiah's resilience

Dammam: Brendan Rodgers applauded Al Qadsiah Club's resilience following their 2-1 win against Al Wasl FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Monday.

Saudi Arabia's Al Qadsiah controlled the tie but only found the breakthrough in the second half with Julian Quinones and Mateo Retegui finding the back of the net. Leandro Spadacio scored a late consolation for UAE's Al Wasl.

Rodgers said his side deserved to be applauded after securing victory in challenging conditions.

Prats hails Al Shamal; Al Ittihad's Wissing happy with stalemate

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Prats hails Al Shamal; Al Ittihad's Wissing happy with stalemate

Al Khor: David Prats did not hold back on his praise after Qatar's Al Shamal SC produced a battling performance to hold Al Ittihad Club to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Monday.

Former champions Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia had Georginio Wijnaldum's late, late goal to thank for the point after Qatar's Al Shamal had taken the lead through Baghdad Bounedjah’s 63rd minute strike at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Mixed feelings for Shabab Al Ahli's Jardine

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Mixed feelings for Shabab Al Ahli's Jardine

Dubai: Andre Jardine admitted he had mixed feelings despite Shabab Al Ahli opening their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ with a 1-0 win against Tractor FC on Monday.

Yuri Cesar’s 22nd-minute strike at the Rashid Stadium sealed victory for UAE's Shabab Al Ahli, who are aiming to go all the way after falling in the semi-finals last season.

Jebel optimistic despite Air Force SC's losing start

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Jebel optimistic despite Air Force SC's losing start

Fergana: Fethi Jebel l had no complaints despite seeing his Air Force SC side falling to a 1-0 defeat against PFC Neftchi in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Monday.

Zoran Marusic’s late header earned Uzbekistan's Neftchi a 1-0 victory, with Iraq's Air Force left to rue defeat despite producing a good performance.