Al Ahli to face Al Gharafa.. Al Qadsiah meet Al Sadd in 'Elite Asian Champions'
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Saudi Al Ahli hosts Qatari Al Gharafa, while Al Qadsiah meets Al Sadd in the Elite Asian Champions League
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Saudi champions Al Ahli are aiming to secure their second consecutive victory after a shaky start, as they face Qatar’s Al Gharafa today in the third round of the unified group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite. Al Ahli currently sit fourth with four points, having begun their campaign with a draw against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor before defeating UAE’s Al Wasl.
On the other hand, Al Gharafa languish in 13th place without any points, following defeats to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Iran’s Esteghlal. Despite the difficult task ahead for Al Ahli at home, the Qatari side is looking to secure their first win in the competition, or at least return with a draw, to put an end to their poor start.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced yesterday the postponement of the match between Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and UAE’s Al Wasl, which was scheduled for today, Monday, in Riyadh, as part of the third round of the unified group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite.
In a statement on its official website, the continental body said: “The league phase match (West Region) of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite between Al Nassr SC and Al Wasl FC, originally scheduled to take place today at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been rescheduled to a later date.”
Al Nassr currently occupy eighth place with three points, after starting their campaign with a loss to Al Ain, before regaining their footing with a win against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi.
Meanwhile, Al Wasl sit in 14th place without any points, following defeats to Saudi clubs Al Qadsiah and Al Ahli.
The in-form Al Qadsiah are also targeting all three points when they face Qatar’s Al Sadd today at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. Al Qadsiah are sixth with four points, after beating Al Wasl and drawing with Pakhtakor, while Al Sadd are bottom of the table after suffering losses to Esteghlal and Al Hilal.
Having collected one point from their first two matches, Saudi club Al Ittihad recognizes the need to improve their performance to boost their chances of advancing to the next round when they host Neftchi.
Al Ain will also host Iran’s Tractor, while Iraq’s Al Quwa Al Jawiya will look to secure their first points when they face Pakhtakor.
