Kuroda: Machida will learn from bitter lesson

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Kuroda: Machida will learn from bitter lesson

Jeddah: Go Kuroda has vowed that FC Machida Zelvia will gain from the heartbreak of losing 1-0 to Al Al Saudi FC in the final of AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Saturday.

After having matched their star-studded opponents stride for stride, the Japanese side eventually succumbed in extra time to Feras Al Brikan’s strike as Al Ahli successfully retained their title.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-final-al-ahli-saudi-fc-ksa-1-0-fc-machida-zelvia-jpn

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3170104

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3170106

Al Brikan delighted with contribution

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Brikan delighted with contribution

Jeddah: When Al Ahli Saudi FC needed a hero in the final of the AFC Champions League Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Saturday, Feras Al Brikan stepped up to deliver.

With Al Ahli struggling to find a way past FC Machida Zelvia in a keenly-fought contest at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Al Brikan was summoned into the game to replace Enzo Millot in the 62nd minute.

Reduced to 10 men just six minutes later when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off, Al Ahli kept their belief with Al Brikan delivering by smashing home Franck Kessie’s cutback in extra time to send the fans into delirium.

Jaissle: Al Ahli Saudi's belief, quality delivered historic title

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Jaissle: Al Ahli Saudi's belief, quality delivered historic title

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle expressed pride after guiding Al Ahli Saudi FC to back-to-back continental titles following their 1-0 win against FC Machida Zelvia in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah™ on Saturday.

Al Ahli joined cross-town rivals Al Ittihad Club as the only sides to have won the trophy in successive seasons, with Jaissle admitting this year’s triumph had been filled with much tougher challenges.

Al Ahli Saudi savour glory again

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Ahli Saudi savour glory again

Jeddah: Substitute Feras Al Brikan struck six minutes into extra time to earn 10-man Al Ahli Saudi FC a 1-0 win over FC Machida Zelvia on Saturday as the Saudi Pro League side retained their title at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™.

Al Brikan hit the winner from close range after Matthias Jaissle’s side had seen Zakaria Hawsawi sent off in the 68th minute and the title holders were forced to battle on against the Japanese side.

Victory means Al Ahli are the first team to retain the title since cross-Jeddah rivals Al Ittihad Club won the second of their two AFC Champions League crowns in 2005 by defeating Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Ahli’s Kessie named Most Valuable Player

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Ahli’s Kessie named Most Valuable Player

Jeddah: Franck Kessie was named the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ after helping Al Ahli Saudi FC defend their title with a 1-0 extra time win against FC Machida Zelvia in the final on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast international carried his impressive form into the final, commanding the midfield with authority and had Al Ahli in total control throughout the match.

Al Sadd’s Mujica wins Top Goalscorer

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Al Sadd’s Mujica wins Top Goalscorer

Jeddah: Rafael Mujica secured the Top Scorer award of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ after netting eight goals for Qatar’s Al Sadd SC.

The Spaniard’s goals played a major part in Al Sadd reaching the quarter-finals.