Al-Ahli Saudi FC Defend AFC Champions League Elite Title with 1–0 Win over Machida Zelvia

By  News On Air   Apr 26, 2026

In football, Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 last night.

An extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Buraikan settled the tie at their home ground, the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Buraikan, who fired high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rivals Al-Ittihad in 2005.