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Q-final: Yengi strike keeps Machida Zelvia's dream run going

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Q-final: Yengi strike keeps Machida Zelvia's dream run going

Jeddah: FC Machida Zelvia advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Friday as Tete Yengi’s deflected strike earned the Japanese side a 1-0 win over former champions Al Ittihad Club at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

The Australian forward stuck in the 31st minute to take the J1 League side into the last four for the first time and set up a semi-final encounter with either Thailand’s Buriram United or Shabab Al Ahli from the United Arab Emirates.

Machida’s win came after an eventful second half that saw Al Ittihad hit the woodwork twice but Go Kuroda’s tournament debutants held on to progress to the disappointment of the majority in the crowd of more than 16,000 spectators.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/q-final-fc-machida-zelvia-jpn-v-al-ittihad-club-ksa

Q-final: Al Ahli Saudi fight back to stay on title track

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Q-final: Al Ahli Saudi fight back to stay on title track

Jeddah: Ten-man Al Ahli Saudi FC came from behind to edge Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1 in their AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ quarter-final on Friday to move a step closer towards retaining their title.

JDT shocked Al Ahli with the opener from an Ali Majrashi own goal with the right-back then sent off for serious foul play but the Jeddah-based outfit equalised before half-time thanks to a Franck Kessie header.

Galeno produced a brilliant piece of magic after the interval with his superb long range strike sending Al Ahli through to a semi-final encounter with Japan’s Vissel Kobe on Monday.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/q-final-al-ahli-saudi-fc-ksa-v-johor-darul-ta’zim-mas

Preview - Q-final: Buriram United (THA) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Buriram United (THA) v Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)

Jeddah: Belief and focus will be the key ingredients when Thailand’s Buriram United and Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates face off in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ quarter-finals on Saturday.

Buriram head coach Mark Jackson is demanding confidence from his Buriram side while his Shabab Al Ahli counterpart Paulo Sousa expects full commitment after the UAE side advanced to this stage with victory against Tractor FC of Islamic Republic of Iran in the Round of 16.

AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026 Match Officials QF4

Buriram’s Dougall counting on experience; Shabab’s Abbas warns against errors

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Buriram’s Dougall counting on experience; Shabab’s Abbas warns against errors

Jeddah: Kenneth Dougall and Walid Abbas are equally determined to put their best foot forward when Buriram United and Shabab Al Ahli meet in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ quarter-finals on Saturday.

Dougall was part of the Buriram side that reached the same stage of the competition last season before bowing out by eventual champions Al Ahli Saudi FC of Saudi Arabia while Abbas will be appearing at this stage for the first time.

Preview - Final: Japan v DPR Korea

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Preview - Final: Japan v DPR Korea

Pathum Thani: Japan and DPR Korea are set for an epic encounter in the final of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Saturday.

The sides go into the continental decider with perfect records, brushing aside the competition to set up a repeat of the 2024 final in Uzbekistan, where DPR Korea dashed Japan’s hope of four consecutive titles with a 2-1 win.

Clinical Svay Rieng please McConkey

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Clinical Svay Rieng please McConkey

Manila: Matt McConkey was effusive in his praise of Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC after the Cambodian side secured a second successive final appearance in the AFC Challenge League™ on Thursday.

The Northern Ireland tactician, while admitting he was not satisfied with his team’s overall performance, applauded their effectiveness in front of goal as a Saret Kyra header and a brace from Kwame Peprah sealed a 3-0 win on the day and 4-1 on aggregate against Manila Digger of the Philippines. 

Higuchi ready to lead Japan’s charge

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Higuchi ready to lead Japan’s charge

Pathum Thani: When Japan take on DPR Korea in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ final on Saturday, much of their balance will rest on the shoulders of midfielder Rinka Higuchi.

Operating as a defensive midfielder, Higuchi has quietly played a role in Japan’s run to the final contributing two assists and creating eight chances in the four matches she has featured in, underlining her ability to influence the game.

Ri focused on steering DPR Korea to glory

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Ri focused on steering DPR Korea to glory

Pathum Thani: For Ri Ji Song, her mission in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ final against Japan on Saturday is clear - help DPR Korea defend their title.

A consistent presence throughout the campaign, Ri has featured in all five of DPR Korea’s matches, registering a goal and an assist.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/video/aclelite-|-quarter-finals-al-sadd-sc-qat-3-4-3-5-vissel-kobe-jpn