AFC Elite 16: Jeddah Sets the Stage for West’s Knockout Clash

Upcoming Schedule for AFC Champions League Elite West Round of 16

AFC's West region Round of 16 matches have been positioned after a prior postponement caused by regional tensions. The ties will be single-leg and staged in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, just ahead of the centralized knockout phase.

The East region has four qualifiers to the quarterfinals: Machida Zelvia and Vissel Kobe from Japan, Johor Darul Ta'zim from Malaysia, and Buriram United from Thailand.

The West sides set to meet are: Al Hilal vs Al Sadd, Al Ahli Saudi FC vs Al Duhail, Al Ittihad vs Al Wahda, and Shabab Al Ahli vs Tractor. The knockout draw is expected in Kuala Lumpur this week.

Matches are scheduled for March 13-14 in Jeddah, with the rest of the knockout rounds in a centralized format from March 16-25. Official confirmation is expected soon per Asharq Al-Awsat.

Punchline 1: This schedule is so tight, even the calendar needs a timeout.

Punchline 2: If football ever needed a perfect aim, these games hit the target—though sometimes the ball goes wide just for suspense.

Author

Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

AFC Champions League 2

ACL 2 schedules a fresh kick: Al-Nassr vs Al-Wasl dates confirmed for April

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the West Round of 16 be played?

The matches are scheduled for March 13-14 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Which teams are in the West clashes?

Al Hilal vs Al Sadd, Al Ahli Saudi FC vs Al Duhail, Al Ittihad vs Al Wahda, and Shabab Al Ahli vs Tractor.

Where will the knockout draw take place?

The draw for the knockout rounds will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Which East-region teams advanced to the quarterfinals?

Machida Zelvia, Vissel Kobe (Japan), Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia), and Buriram United (Thailand).

Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans