MD1: PFC Neftchi (UZB) 1-0 Air Force SC (IRQ)

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

MD1: PFC Neftchi (UZB) 1-0 Air Force SC (IRQ)

Fergana: Zoran Marusic’s late header earned PFC Neftchi a 1-0 victory over Iraq’s Air Force FC on Monday as the side from Uzbekistan made a winning start to their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ campaign in Fergana.

The Serbian forward rose to meet Koffi Kouao’s cross from the right in the 83rd minute to ensure Islombek Ismoilov’s side saw their superiority reap a deserved win in the club’s first appearance in this season’s competition.

 

Neftchi had looked destined to end the evening frustrated by a series of missed opportunities that threatened to force the hosts into a share the points with their Iraqi visitors until Marusic nodded in the winner.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3191927

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3191929

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/md1-pfc-neftchi-uzb-v-air-force-sc

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3192170

Preview: Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Al Gharafa SC (QAT)

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

Preview: Al Hilal SFC (KSA) v Al Gharafa SC (QAT)

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC will be expecting nothing other than a win when they host Al Gharafa SC in their opening AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal last lifted the continental trophy in 2021 and will be determined to end their long wait for a fifth Asian crown.

Preview: Al Ain FC (UAE) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

Preview: Al Ain FC (UAE) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Al Ain: A cracking affair can be expected when Al Ain FC host Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

Former champions Al Ain are making a return after missing the previous edition, as are Al Nassr.

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v Buriram United (THA)

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) v Buriram United (THA)

Iskandar Puteri: Johor Darul Ta’zim will be on a mission to end their winless run against Buriram United when the teams square off in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ on Tuesday.

Malaysia's JDT have not been able to get the better of their Thai opponents in their last four meetings, with Buriram winning their last two encounters.

#ACLTwo - Preview: Matchday One

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

#ACLTwo - Preview: Matchday One

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ promises to be a spectacular affair with 32 clubs set to vie for the coveted trophy.

The last two editions of the revamped tournament more than lived up to expectations and fans can expect no less from the upcoming edition.

The-AFC.com previews the matchday one action, which kicks off with the West Zone on Tuesday.

MD1 (W): Heavyweights lead the way

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

MD1 (W): Heavyweights lead the way

Kuala Lumpur: Japan, Korea Republic, DPR Korea, China PR and Chinese Taipei secured winning starts to their Asian Games 2026 campaign on Monday.

Uzbekistan and Philippines, meanwhile, played to a 1-1 stalemate.