Jardine hails Shabab’s brilliance; Ittihad’s Wissing laments slow start

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Jardine hails Shabab’s brilliance; Ittihad’s Wissing laments slow start

Jeddah: Andre Jardine was in no doubt that Shabab Al Ahli deserved the points after they battled to a 2-1 win against Al Ittihad Club in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

The Brazilian knew his team would come under pressure but remained calm as the players executed their counter attacking tactics to perfection to be one of only four teams left in the West Zone with maximum points after two rounds of matches.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-al-ittihad-club-ksa-1-2-shabab-al-ahli-uae

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3197359

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3197361

Inzaghi: Al Hilal’s homework paid off

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Inzaghi: Al Hilal’s homework paid off

Doha: Simone Inzaghi knew exactly what paved the way for Al Hilal SFC’s 2-0 win against Al Sadd SC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ match on Tuesday.

Having played Al Ittihad Club on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League, the Italian tactician relied on tactics born from work done off the field as goals from Ollie Watkins and Ruben Neves secured them a second successive win.

Kashima’s grit earns Oniki’s praise

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Kashima’s grit earns Oniki’s praise

Toru Oniki was pleased to see Kashima Antlers pass a tough Cong An Ha Noi FC test on Tuesday, with the head coach praising his players for finding a way through a demanding AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ fixture.

Nguyen Abou Leygley Minh’s 61st-minute own goal settled a hard-fought encounter as Kashima moved onto six points from two matches, following their opening win over Newcastle Jets FC.

Joy for Beijing’s Montgomery; Silva rues Buriram off night

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Joy for Beijing’s Montgomery; Silva rues Buriram off night

Buriram: Nick Montgomery and Mario Silva displayed contrasting emotions after Beijing FC picked up a hard-fought 1-0 win against Buriram United in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

Montgomery showered his Beijing side with praise as they stayed perfect in the competition while Silva was left to lament what could have been for his Buriram side, who are still seeking their first win after playing to a 1-1 draw with Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim last month. 

Popovic: Victory is for the city of Kyoto

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Popovic: Victory is for the city of Kyoto

Kameoka: Ranko Popovic dedicated Kyoto Sanga FC’s first continental victory to those working behind the scenes after his side edged Ratchaburi FC 1-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

Substitute Temma Matsuda struck late to secure Kyoto’s first points following their opening match defeat to Daejeon Hana Citizen FC, with Popovic pleased with the contribution of players who have had limited match time.

Munoz jubilant as JDT create history

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Munoz jubilant as JDT create history

Pohang: Johor Darul Ta’zim FC added a new chapter to their history after defeating FC Pohang Steelers 2-0 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

The victory was the first time a Malaysian club side had won playing in Korea Republic, a result that left head coach Xisco Munoz grinning from ear to ear.