Q-finals: Facts & Figures

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Q-finals: Facts & Figures

Jeddah: The quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ concluded on Saturday with fans treated to four scintillating matches.

There was joy for the teams which advanced while the dreams of the losing sides were dashed.

The-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the quarter-finals.

Sousa pleased to see Shabab Al Ahli pass stiff test

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Sousa pleased to see Shabab Al Ahli pass stiff test

Jeddah: Head coach Paulo Sousa was overjoyed after seeing Shabab Al Ahli pass a stern test by defeating Buriram United 3-2 on Saturday to stay on track for the AFC Champions League Finals Jeddah 2026™ title.

Portuguese tactician Sousa, who saw his team were on the ropes after Buriram clawed back from 2-0 down to draw level, showed his tactical acumen by sending on Sultan Adil and Sergio Damian - a move which saw the UAE side wresting back control. 

Buriram’s set-play frailties frustrate Jackson

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Buriram’s set-play frailties frustrate Jackson

Jeddah:  For the second successive season, Buriram United bid goodbye to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ at the quarter-final stage after their 3-2 defeat to Shabab Al Ahli on Saturday.

Head coach Mark Jackson admitted he was exasperated after watching the Thai side struggle to cope with Shabab’s set-piece proficiency with all three goals conceded from corner kicks.

Machida's strength comes from unity, says Kuroda

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Machida's strength comes from unity, says Kuroda

Jeddah: FC Machida Zelvia head coach Go Kuroda credited his players’ unity for their 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad Club on Friday as the Japanese club advanced to the continental semi-finals for the first time at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™.

Tete Yengi’s 31st minute goal separated the teams at the end of a tense clash at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium and Machida will face either Thailand’s Buriram United or Shabab Al Ahli from the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for a berth in the final.

Progression is what matters for Al Ahli’s Jaissle, Kessie

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Progression is what matters for Al Ahli’s Jaissle, Kessie

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle and Franck Kessie were in agreement that progress to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ took precedence over the performance of Al Ahli Saudi FC in their quarter-final on Friday.

The 2-1 win against Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim was secured following a tough fight, with Ali Majrashi’s red card in the 37th minute putting Al Ahli on the back foot but the defending champions showed plenty of mettle as they came from behind to seal progress.

Munoz proud of JDT despite heartbreaking exit

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Munoz proud of JDT despite heartbreaking exit

Jeddah: Xisco Munoz expressed pride in his players despite Johor Darul Ta’zim’s exit from the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ after Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Al Ahli Saudi FC in the quarter-finals.

The Spaniard expressed satisfaction at how JDT competed against the reigning champions on their home turf at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Munoz also revealed that stricken forward Jairo - who got a kick to the face that resulted in Al Ahli’s Ali Majrashi being shown the red card - was not in harm’s way.