Key Takeaways
- Al-Ahli Saudi FC defeated Machida Zelvia 1-0 after extra time to win back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles in Jeddah.
- Defender Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for a violent headbutt on Machida striker Tete Yengi while the score was level at 0-0.
- Football experts criticised the tournament structure, which saw all knockout matches played in Saudi Arabia for the second year running.
Al-Ahli Saudi FC lifted the AFC Champions League Elite trophy for the second successive season on Saturday, yet their triumph was overshadowed by a shocking act of violence and growing anger over the competition’s integrity. The Jeddah-based side beat Japanese debutants Machida Zelvia 1-0 in a tense final that went to extra time.
The match changed course midway through the second half when the score stood at 0-0. Al-Ahli full-back Zakaria Hawsawi lunged towards Machida striker Tete Yengi and struck the Australian forward in the jaw with his head. Yengi, who towers over the Saudi defender, fell to the ground near the touchline as the referee produced a straight red card. The sending off left Al-Ahli with ten men and their supporters fearing the worst.
Despite the disadvantage, the home team found a breakthrough in extra time. Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez swung a dangerous cross into the penalty area, and striker Firas al-Buraikan arrived at the far post to volley the ball into the net. The goal sparked celebration among the 60,000 fans inside King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and strengthened Al-Buraikan’s case for selection in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup squad.
The final highlighted a massive gulf between the two clubs. Al-Ahli boast a squad packed with international stars funded by the nation’s Public Investment Fund, including former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Brazilian forward Galeno, and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié. In contrast, Machida Zelvia only earned promotion to Japan’s top flight in 2024 and rely on loan players such as Yengi from Scottish side Livingston.
The Japanese club arrived in Jeddah as massive underdogs. Their manager, Go Kuroda, worked as a high school teacher before taking charge in 2023. He has built a physical, direct team that plays differently from the technical style usually associated with Japanese football. His side began the match with just three foreign players compared to Al-Ahli’s nine.
However, the biggest controversy surrounds the tournament format. For the past two seasons, the Asian Football Confederation has staged all knockout matches from the quarter-finals onwards in Jeddah. This arrangement meant Al-Ahli did not play a single away game during the decisive phase. Critics argue this gives Saudi teams an unfair advantage, makes the competition boring, and undermines its credibility.
The problems extend beyond the knockout stages. Only twelve of the AFC’s 47 member nations were allowed to enter the tournament, leaving the majority of Asian countries without representation. Regional conflicts forced last-minute schedule changes, while the single-venue approach produced sparse crowds for matches not involving the home favourites.
While Al-Ahli celebrate their victory, the competition faces serious questions about its future. Organisers must review the format to ensure fairness and restore the prestige of Asia’s most important club tournament.