Al Shorta’s Sambou delighted; Al Duhail’s Belmadi frustrated

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Al Shorta’s Sambou delighted; Al Duhail’s Belmadi frustrated

Baghdad: Al Shorta - much to Al Duhail SC’s dismay - ended their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ campaign on a high with a 3-2 win against the Qatari outfit on Monday.

Senegal’s Bouly Sambou netted twice in the second half to power Iraq’s Al Shorta to the first win of their campaign, a result which left Al Duhail’s Round of 16 hopes hanging in the air.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3157441

Inzaghi happy as Al Hilal show strength in depth

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Inzaghi happy as Al Hilal show strength in depth

Riyadh: Simone Inzaghi saw plenty of positives from Al Hilal SFC’s 2-1 win against Al Wahda FC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ tie on Monday which saw the Saudi Arabia side top the West Zone standings for the second season running. 

The Italian tactician gave minutes to fringe players and was rewarded with good performances as the former Serie A winning head coach juggled the demands of domestic and continental matches.

Al Ahli’s Jaissle relieved; Shabab’s Sousa rues errors

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

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. 

Joy for Nasaf’s Berdiev; disappointment for Sharjah’s Morais

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Joy for Nasaf’s Berdiev; disappointment for Sharjah’s Morais

Sharjah: There was - finally - delight for Ruzikul Berdiev in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after his PFC Nasaf side concluded their campaign with a 2-1 win against Sharjah FC on Monday.

After a difficult season which had seen the Uzbekistan side lose six of their seven previous matches, Berdiev was happy to see his players close out their continental journey on a positive note.

Preview: Shanghai Port FC (CHN) v Ulsan HD FC (KOR)

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Preview: Shanghai Port FC (CHN) v Ulsan HD FC (KOR)

Shanghai: Shanghai Port FC will hope to deny Ulsan HD FC the victory they need when the sides clash in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Wednesday.

China PR's Shanghai Port are already eliminated while Korea Republic's Ulsan HD have to win if they are to stand a chance of progressing to the Round of 16.

Preview: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Tue, 17 Feb, 2026

Preview: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Gangwon FC (KOR)

Melbourne: Melbourne City FC will be seeking the fifth win of their campaign when they meet Gangwon FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Wednesday.

Last week's 2-1 defeat of Ulsan HD FC confirmed a first-ever Round of 16 appearance for the Australian side while Korea Republic's Gangwon GC need maximum points to stand a chance of progressing.