Saudi Al-Ahli draws with Uzbekistan's Paxtakor in AFC Champions League Elite

Jeddah, Sept 14 (KUNA) -- Saudi club Al Ahli drew 1-1 with Uzbek side Paxtakor in their Group Stage, League Phase match on Monday, as part of the opening round of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite. Paxtakor took the lead in the 86th minute through player Flamareon Jovino, before defending champions Al Ahli equalized in the third minute of stoppage time in the second half through player Firas Al-Buraikan. The new edition features a fundamental change, with the Asian Football Confederation increasing the number of participating clubs from 24 to 32, divided equally between Eastern and Western zones. Each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents in its zone, with four home and four away games, scheduled between September 14 and February 17 of next year. (End) F.N./A.S.