Europe Wrap: Ueda, Sano lead Asian charge

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

Europe Wrap: Ueda, Sano lead Asian charge

Kuala Lumpur: Samurai Blue striker Ayase Ueda netted in his UEFA Champions League debut for Ligue 1 side Lille while fellow international Kodai Sano struck his first goal of the season for PSV in the Eredivisie. 

There was also an unexpected goalkeeping assist from Japan’s Taishi Nozawa in the Belgian Pro League and other starring Continental performances, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

MD1: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-1 Pakhtakor (UZB)

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

MD1: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-1 Pakhtakor (UZB)

Jeddah: Defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC needed a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Pakhtakor in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Monday.

Goalkeeper Vladimir Nazarov produced a string of saves to frustrate the two-time winners before Flamarion put Pakhtakor ahead five minutes from time, only for Firas Al Brikan to rescue Al Ahli in the third minute of stoppage time. 

MD1: Esteghlal FC (IRN) 3-0 Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

MD1: Esteghlal FC (IRN) 3-0 Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Basra: Esteghlal FC took advantage of their chances to overcome Qatar’s Al Sadd SC 3-0 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener at the Basra International Stadium on Monday. 

Jasir Asani capitalised on a defensive error to fire the Islamic Republic of Iran outfit ahead in the ninth minute before Saeid Saharkhizan extended their lead two minutes after the break and Esmaeil Gholizadeh sealed the match five minutes into injury time.

In a match largely dominated by the 19-time Qatar Stars League champions, Razvan Lucescu’s side were let down by poor finishing, with only one shot on target and a goal overturned by VAR.

MD1: Al Qadsiah Club (KSA) 2-1 Al Wasl FC (UAE)

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

MD1: Al Qadsiah Club (KSA) 2-1 Al Wasl FC (UAE)

Dammam: Al Qadsiah Club got off to a dream debut in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ after they secured a 2-1 win against Al Wasl FC on Monday.

The Saudi Arabia outfit dominated the match but had to wait until the second half to find the goals through Julian Quinones and Mateo Retegui.

MD1: Al Shamal SC (QAT) 1-1 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

MD1: Al Shamal SC (QAT) 1-1 Al Ittihad Club (KSA)

Al Khor: Georginio Wijnaldum salvaged a point for former champions Al Ittihad with virtually the last kick of the game as Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad drew 1-1 with tournament debutants Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Monday.

The Dutch midfielder stole in to score deep into added time and cancel out Baghdad Bounedjah’s 63rd minute strike, which had looked like it would earn the Qatari side a dream debut in their first-ever appearance in the continental championship.
 
But Al Shamal, who qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time with a runners-up finish in the QSL last season, had been forced to defend desperately in the dying moments against the 2004 and 2005 champions and Wijnaldum eventually struck.

Asian challenge continues

Sun, 13 Sep, 2026

Asian challenge continues

Lodz: Asia’s challenge at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 continues with all four teams advancing to the knockout stage.

Defending champions DPR Korea led the march, with China PR, and Korea Republic joining them in the Japan, DPR Korea and China in the Round of 16.