Toney calls for calm as Al Ahli eye maiden title

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

Toney calls for calm as Al Ahli eye maiden title

Jeddah: Ivan Toney has promised Al Ahli Saudi FC will do all they can to lift the trophy after they cruised into the final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 with a 3-1 win against Al Hilal SFC on Tuesday.

In a thoroughly dominant semi-final performance, Roberto Firmino and Toney struck in the first half, with Feras Al Brikan adding their third in second half stoppage tile after Salem Al Dawsari had pulled one back for Al Hilal. 

The impressive win took Al Ahli into their third continental final, having had to settle for runners-up finishes in 1985/86 and 2012, with the English forward assuring that that the Jeddah-based club will do their to finally lay their hands on the trophy on Saturday. 

‘Perfect’ Al Ahli delight Jaissle

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

‘Perfect’ Al Ahli delight Jaissle

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle paid tribute to his Al Ahli Saudi FC side after they stuck to the game plan to defeat Al Hilal SFC 3-1 to book their place in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Tuesday.

The head coach also applauded the fans, saying they played a huge role in the impressive semi-final result at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Jesus accepts Al Hilal were second best

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

Jesus accepts Al Hilal were second best

Jeddah: Jorge Jesus was a picture of dejection after his Al Hilal SFC side were knocked out of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 by Al Ahli Saudi FC on Tuesday.

The 3-1 semi-final defeat was a bitter pill for the head coach to swallow who, however, admitted his team were second best at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium with Al Hilal suffering a last four stage exit for the second successive season.

Ibanez: Focus powered Al Ahli into final

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

Ibanez: Focus powered Al Ahli into final

Jeddah: Roger Ibanez attributed Al Ahli Saudi FC’s 3-1 success against Al Hilal SFC in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Tuesday to the focus of every single player in the squad.

The Brazilian more than played his part in the win, not only in ensuring that Aleksandar Mitrovic had a quiet night but it was also his surging run in the 59th minute that led to Kalidou Koulibaly picking up his second yellow card of the game.

Ibanez, who was with Italian Serie A giants AS Roma prior to joining Al Ahli, also paid tribute to head coach Matthias Jaissle.

Sensational Al Ahli beat Al Hilal to book final spot

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

Sensational Al Ahli beat Al Hilal to book final spot

Jeddah: Al Ahli Saudi FC were phenomenal as they emerged 3-1 winners against Al Hilal SFC in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday.

Played in front of 50,613 fans, the last four tie was a classic with Al Ahli simply the better side as they reached the continental final for a third time, with either fellow Saudi Pro League rivals Al Nassr Club or Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale their opponents on Saturday, with first time winners to be crowned.

It was heartbreak for Al Hilal, who were reduced to 10 men just before the hour mark, as their campaign ended at the semi-final stage for the second successive season. 

Preview - SF: Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Thu, 01 May, 2025

Preview - SF: Al Nassr Club (KSA) v Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Jeddah: Head coach Shigetoshi Hasebe will be out to prove that Kawasaki Frontale can stand toe-to-toe when they take on Al Nassr Club in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Wednesday.

It will be Frontale’s first appearance in the semi-finals with the club seeking to become only the fifth Japanese team to reach the final, following the footsteps of Yokohama F. Marinos, Kashima Antlers, Gamba Osaka and Urawa Red Diamonds.

Tachibanada playing for more than Frontale’s badge

Tue, 29 Apr, 2025

Tachibanada playing for more than Frontale’s badge

Jeddah: Kento Tachibanada will be drawing his motivation from the recent past as Kawasaki Frontale look to navigate past Al Nassr Club in the semi-final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old played a key role in Frontale’s 2023 Emperor’s Cup win against Kashiwa Reysol, which booked their place in the AFC Champions League Elite, and the midfielder wants their continental campaign - having reached the semi-finals for the first time - to continue.

Al Nassr’s Simakan ready for pivotal challenge

Tue, 29 Apr, 2025

Al Nassr’s Simakan ready for pivotal challenge

Jeddah: Mohamed Simakan is relishing the opportunity to shine at the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 as Al Nassr Club of Saudi Arabia get set to face Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in Wednesday’s semi-final.

The centre-back played an important role in keeping Yokohama F. Marinos’ forwards quiet during their quarter-final clash on Saturday and is determined to do the same against Frontale’s Erison and Shin Yamada.

#BeachSoccerWC - Preview

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

#BeachSoccerWC - Preview

Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 kicks off on Thursday with AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ 2025 champions Islamic Republic of Iran leading Asia’s charge for the title.

Iran are joined by Oman and Japan in the Finals with all three seeking to become the first side from the continent to land the biggest prize on sand, so join the-AFC.com as we take a closer look at each group.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.