Alioski: Belief powering Al Ahli Saudi

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Alioski: Belief powering Al Ahli Saudi

Jeddah: For Ezgjan Alioski, belief was the driving force behind Al Ahli Saudi FC’s 3-0 triumph over Buriram United of Thailand on Saturday, a result that propelled them into the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025.

The 33-year-old Macedonian international, who was replaced by Matteo Dams after putting in a good shift, highlighted Al Ahli’s mentality and team spirit as the keys behind their consistency this season..

Duran's return to form a relief for Pioli

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Duran's return to form a relief for Pioli

Jeddah: Head coach Stefano Pioli was delighted to see forward Jhon Duran finding his goalscoring form in Al Nassr Club’s 4-1 win against Yokohama F. Marinos in the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Saturday.

The Colombian - without a goal in his four previous matches - scored once in each half with Pioli hoping they serve as a confidence booster for the striker going into the semi-final encounter against either Kawasaki Frontale of Japan or Qatar’s Al Sadd SC.

Kisnorbo, Kato rue Marinos’ slow start

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Kisnorbo, Kato rue Marinos’ slow start

Jeddah: Head coach Patrick Kisnorbo and midfielder Ren Kato were in agreement that Yokohama F. Marinos’s 4-1 defeat to Al Nassr Club in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Saturday was down to a poor first half showing.

Al Nassr led 3-0 at the break thanks to efforts from Jhon Duran, Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo as the Marinos made their exit, with Kisnorbo feeling that it was out of sync with how his team performed in the opening minutes of the first half.

Jaissle applauds perfect Al Ahli

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Jaissle applauds perfect Al Ahli

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC head coach Matthias Jaissle hailed his side’s “perfect match” after their commanding 3-0 victory over Buriram United secured a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Saturday.

Jaissle highlighted the energy from both his players and the home fans, saying it laid the foundation for their impressive victory, which set up an enticing semi-final against fellow Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal SFC.

Loss: Heartbreak will spur Buriram's growth

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Loss: Heartbreak will spur Buriram's growth

Jeddah: Osmar Loss was proud of his Buriram United side despite their 3-0 defeat to Al Ahli Saudi FC in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Saturday, with the head coach looking at the bigger picture.

Loss, who was forced to rotate his squad heavily due to the demands of a domestic schedule, said the experience gained by his younger players was invaluable for the club’s future ambitions.

Q-final: Duran shines as Al Nassr end Marinos' dreams

Mon, 28 Apr, 2025

Q-final: Duran shines as Al Nassr end Marinos' dreams

Jeddah: Al Nassr Club scored thrice in 11 first half minutes to take their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 after defeating Yokohama F. Marinos 4-1 in their last eight tie on Saturday.

Jhon Duran netted two with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane bagging one each as the Saudi Arabian side set up a last four meeting with either Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale or Al Sadd SC of Qatar on Wednesday.

Q-final: Super Al Ahli power past Buriram

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Q-final: Super Al Ahli power past Buriram

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC produced a sparkling display to cruise 3-0 past Buriram United in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

Al Ahli turned on the power in the first half, racing to a three-goal lead as they set up a tantalising semi-final encounter with fellow Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal SFC, who defeated Gwangju FC 7-0 on Friday.

Round of 16 serves up enticing last eight showdowns

Sat, 26 Apr, 2025

Round of 16 serves up enticing last eight showdowns

Jeddah: The AFC eChampions League Elite Round of 16 lived up to expectations with high octane action as the quarter-finalists were decided on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr continued from where they left off in the West Zone League Stage with a 13-1 aggregate win against the UAE’s Al Wasl while Vissel Kobe, who topped the East Zone, booked their spot with an 8-2 win against Ulsan HD.

Wakizaka aiming to take Frontale to new heights

Sat, 26 Apr, 2025

Wakizaka aiming to take Frontale to new heights

Jeddah: Yasuto Wakizaka wants to create history for Kawasaki Frontale by helping the Japanese club win the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 title.

The club captain has won it all domestically with Frontale - three J1 League titles, two Emperor’s Cup and one J.League Cup but continental success has eluded the midfielder. 

Know Your Team: Japan

Sun, 27 Apr, 2025

Know Your Team: Japan

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 kicks off on Thursday and Japan will leave no stone unturned as they seek to land the big prize.

Disappointment at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 - where they failed to advance past the semi-finals - will fuel their motivation for a golden showing at the global showpiece.