The Western Clash: Wahda Routs Al Duhail 3-1 to Lead the AFC Elite Zone
20 October 2025
Match Snapshot
In Abu Dhabi, Al Wahda delivered a crucial 3-1 victory over Al Duhail in the AFC Champions League Elite Western Zone, opening the third round of the West group for the 2025-2026 season. Omar Khribin converted a 35th-minute penalty, then Ibrahim Diarra added a second in time added on at the end of the first half, with Alaa Zuhair completing the scoring in the 67th minute.
Al Duhail’s reply came from Kristof Piatek in the 20th minute. The win lifts Wahda to 7 points and temporarily top the Western table, building on earlier wins over Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi (2-1) and a 0-0 draw with Tractor in Tabrez. Duhail remain at 1 point after losses to Al Hilal and a 2-2 draw with Al Ahli in Doha.
Key Moments
The hosts pressed early and controlled the tempo, seizing their chances in the final third. Wahda’s penalty at 35 minutes gave them a comfortable lead, while a Duhail counter was halted by a disallowed goal at 41 minutes for offside. A late surge produced a third for Wahda through Alaa Zuhair at 67 minutes, sealing the verdict.
Looking Ahead
The next round is scheduled for November 3-4, featuring Nasaf vs Al Wahda in Qarshi, Duhail vs Shabab Al Ahli in Doha, Tractor vs Al Shorta in Tabrez, and Al Gharafa vs Al Hilal in Riyan. Eight teams from each region will advance to the Round of 16 in March 2026, with the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final set to take place in Saudi Arabia in April 2026.
Punchline 1: If Wahda’s attack were a software update, it would be “Bugfix: more goals, fewer excuses.”
Punchline 2: My diet plan is like Duhail’s defense: it promises a lot, then accidentally lets the dessert slip through the gaps.
