Al Ahli’s Ibanez calm in the eye of the storm; Insa counting on unity to power JDT

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Al Ahli’s Ibanez calm in the eye of the storm; Insa counting on unity to power JDT

Jeddah:  Al Ahli Saudi FC's Roger Ibanez and Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Natxo Insa are taking different approaches ahead of their sides' quarter-final meeting in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Friday. 

The experience of going all the way last season is guiding Ibanez on how Al Ahli Saudi will be approaching their title defence at the business end of the 2025/26 edition.

For Insa, unity is what the midfielder is counting on to steer the Malaysian side in what is their first appearance at this stage of the tournament.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3168292

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

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3168295

Preview - Q-final: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) v Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Jeddah:  Matthias Jaissle is anticipating a tough encounter for his Al Ahli Saudi FC side against Johor Darul Ta’zim in their AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ quarter-final on Friday.

The defending champions went through the grind in their Round of 16 tie on Monday, needing extra-time to edge Qatar’s Al Duhail SC with the Saudi Arabian side’s tactician focused on ensuring his players are in their best condition for the match at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium.

Preview - Q-final: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) v Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Preview - Q-final: FC Machida Zelvia (JPN) v Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Jeddah: Al Ittihad head coach Sergio Conceicao is hoping his team can show the same fighting spirit that saw the Saudi Arabian champions defeat Al Wahda FC to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ when they face off against FC Machida Zelvia on Friday.

A penalty deep into stoppage time at the end of the second period of extra-time by Brazilian midfielder Fabinho sealed Al Ittihad’s progress to the quarter-finals and the club’s Portuguese tactician is banking on his players’ determination to prove decisive again.

Shoji to rely on experience; Fernandes calls for focus

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Shoji to rely on experience; Fernandes calls for focus

Jeddah: FC Machida Zelvia captain Gen Shoji will lean on his title-winning experience from 2018 as he leads the J1 League outfit into their AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ clash with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad on Friday with a place in the semi-finals on the line.

Central defender Shoji was a key member of the Kashima Antlers side that won the AFC Champions League title eight years ago against Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis and the former Japan international is determined to make an impact on the tournament once again.

Gamba live up to Wissing’s expectations

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Gamba live up to Wissing’s expectations

Bangkok: Jens Wissing expressed satisfaction after his Gamba Osaka side dominated their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ semi-final, second leg on Wednesday, sweeping past Bangkok United to advance 3-1 on aggregate.

Chasing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, Wissing had his Gamba side playing with incredible intensity from the opening whistle as they swarmed all over the pitch to keep the home side on the back foot. 

It was only a matter of time before the breakthrough came with Ryoya Yamashita finding the net in the 19th minute before further strikes from Issam Jebali (39th) and Ryotaro Meshino (82nd) settled the contest.

Kerr inspires Australia; Thailand triumph

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Kerr inspires Australia; Thailand triumph

Nairobi: Australia and Thailand continued their fine form in the Women's FIFA Series 2026 by defeating Kenya and Congo DR respectively to secure title triumphs on Wednesday.

Indonesia, meanwhile, downed New Caledonia while India beat Malawi to seal third-place finishes.