Al-Ahly Jeddah defeats Japan’s Machida and wins the AFC Elite Champions League for the second time in a row

Al-Ahly Jeddah of Saudi Arabia was crowned champion of the AFC Champions League for the elite football tournament for the second time in a row after a 1-0 victory over Machida of Japan in the final match, today, Saturday.

Substitute Firas Al-Braikan scored the only goal in the 96th minute after resorting to two extra halves in the match that was held at Al-Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah, so Al-Ahly won the title among its fans in the Saudi city.

The Saudi team lifted the continental title for the second time at the expense of a Japanese team, after winning the title last year in 2025 by defeating Kawasaki Frontale with a score of 2-0 in the final.

Al-Ahly won the title this time despite the numerical deficiency in its ranks after its defender Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off in the 68th minute with a direct red card for an assault without the ball.