Latest news with #AFCEliteChampionsLeague
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Minister of Sport receives 2025 AFC Elite Champions League winners Al-Ahli
JEDDAH: Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal received the 2025 AFC Elite Champions League champions Al-Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah and congratulated them on their victory over Japan's Kawasaki. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The reception was also attended by Assistant Minister of Sport Abdulilah bin Saad Al-Dalak, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation Yasser Al-Misehal, and several ministry officials and leaders. Prince Abdulaziz expressed his pride and appreciation for the outstanding performances delivered by the Al-Ahli players over the course of the tournament. He also praised the players' commitment, competiveness and cohesiveness, which paved the way for ultimate victory.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Ahli Crowned New Kings of Asian Champions League Elite
Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli ended a long drought in major tournament triumphs, particularly on the continental stage, by clinching the revamped AFC Elite Champions League title with a historic 2-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday. In a night to remember at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, known as the 'Shining Jewel,' Brazilian forward Galeno and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié scored in a dramatic final that marked a turning point for the Jeddah-based club. Thousands of jubilant Al-Ahli fans turned the stadium into a sea of green, celebrating their team's return to continental glory. The win not only revived memories of past successes for the club, nicknamed the 'Castle of Trophies,' but also gave Saudi football a fresh milestone—securing the first title in the competition's new format. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, crowned Al-Ahli as champions of the new-look AFC Elite Champions League on Saturday night, alongside Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who presented gold medals to the victorious players and silver medals to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. Al-Ahli entered the final with a star-studded lineup featuring goalkeeper Edouard Mendy; defenders Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibañez and Ezgjan Alioski; midfielders Ziyad Al-Juhani, Franck Kessié, and Riyad Mahrez; and an attacking trio of Galeno, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney. The first half unfolded as a tense and tactical affair, with both sides probing cautiously until the 35th minute. Then, Brazilian winger Galeno electrified the home crowd with a clever low strike that broke the deadlock, beating Kawasaki's goalkeeper and swinging momentum decisively in Al-Ahli's favor. Riding the wave of home support, Al-Ahli struck again just seven minutes later. Galeno turned provider with a pinpoint cross that Kessié met with a powerful header to double the lead in the 42nd minute, sending the stadium into raptures. In the second half, Kawasaki came out pressing hard for a comeback, but the Saudi side refused to sit back. Al-Ahli launched a series of quick counterattacks from the wings and through the middle, forcing their Japanese opponents to split focus between defense and attack. Despite Kawasaki's relentless efforts to breach the Saudi backline, Al-Ahli's defense stood firm until the final whistle, sealing a famous night for the Jeddah club and a significant milestone for Saudi football.
Arab News
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Hilal's Jorge Jesus plays down foreign player advantage ahead of AFC Champions League semifinal against Al-Ahli
JEDDAH: Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus says that Al-Ahli's larger contingent of foreign players will not be a decisive factor when the two sides meet in the AFC Elite Champions League semifinal in Jeddah on Tuesday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Al-Inmaa Stadium, Jesus said: 'Each team makes its own choices. Al-Ahli may have more foreign players, but having one more or one less doesn't tip the balance.' Jesus, who has won five titles during his time at the Riyadh giants, said that both teams are familiar with each other's strengths and the scale of the occasion. 'We are aware of the size and intensity of this match. It's a big continental game between two great clubs,' he said. The Portuguese coach also praised the growing strength of Saudi Arabian football, pointing to the fact that three Saudi clubs have reached the semifinal stage. 'Having three Saudi teams in the semifinals proves the strength of Saudi football and the competitiveness of its clubs,' Jesus said. On the other side, Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle described the showdown as a 'summit between two major teams' and said his players were relishing the challenge. 'It will be a tough game, and we are preparing ourselves well. Playing at home and with our fans gives us a real opportunity,' Jaissle said. While acknowledging that Al-Hilal benefited from an extra day of rest in the run-up to the match, Jaissle was confident in Al-Ahli's squad depth. 'We have 12 foreign players, but I don't separate them from the Saudis. We have a strong group overall, and what matters is the performance,' he said. Reflecting on Al-Ahli's run to the last four, Jaissle added: 'Our previous results in Asia show that we can reach the final. We trust ourselves.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Nassr Defeats Esteghlal, Advances to AFC Elite Champions League Quarters
Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr qualified for the AFC Elite Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Iran's Esteghlal 3-0 on Monday in the second-leg match played at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh. Jhon Durán netted two goals for Al-Nassr in the 9th and 84th minutes, while Cristiano Ronaldo added another from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. With the victory, Al-Nassr secured a spot in the quarterfinals following a goalless draw in the first-leg match held in Tehran.
