Duhail vs Al Ahli: Doha Showdown Sets the Stage for AFC Elite Western Clash
28 septembre 2025
Preview
Duhail, the Qatari club, hosts Al Ahli Saudi FC on Monday evening at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, as part of the second round of Western Region fixtures in the Elite Asian Champions League.
What the coaches say
Duhail coach Djamel Belmadi told reporters that preparations are solid, focusing on recovery after their previous match against Al Sadd and getting the squad ready for a tough test against a well-organized opponent.
Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle described his team as facing a side with high quality and discipline, hoping to produce their best performance in Qatar to keep their continental ambitions alive.
Key notes
Belmadi said the loss to Pyramids did not derail them; they bounced back with a win, showing resilience and mental strength.
He added the plan is to minimize errors rather than chase heroics, acknowledging football’s complexity and the importance of execution over dramatic comebacks.
Jean-Charles Castelletto, a Cameroonian defender for Duhail, emphasized the need to maximize prep time and push for the win to secure early knockout-stage qualification.
Ali Majrashi, Al Ahli’s winger, spoke of readiness to seize top spot, believing three points would boost their momentum.
Al Ahli’s attacking options are bolstered by Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, and Frank Kessi, making the clash a true test of both squads’ offensive depth.
Al Ahli have a strong continental record—19 straight matches unbeaten in the competition and eight consecutive Elite group-stage wins, including a 4-2 victory over Nasaf in Jeddah.
Wenderson Galino is sidelined by injury, but Matheus Goncalves is available on the right flank as Al Ahli seek to exploit space behind the fullbacks.
For Duhail, Almoez Ali’s return, alongside Emilson Junior and Marco Verratti, strengthens the attack. Luis Alberto, Krzystof Piątek, and Basem Al-Rawi add depth to a potentially potent forward line.
Al Ahli’s lineup remains dangerous with a mix of veterans and hungry performers, aiming to assert themselves in Qatar and potentially top the group.
Standings show Al Ahli leading the West with three points; several other clubs are in pursuit as the round progresses. The upcoming fixtures on October 20-21 will shape the group, with the Round of 16 slated for March 2026 and the quarters/finals in April in a centralized Saudi event.
Each team will play eight group matches; the eight best advance to the Round of 16, followed by knockout rounds in 2026.
If you love drama, this one has it: two teams with star power, a stadium full of fans, and a group that could flip in an instant. Punchline time: If football is life, this match is therapy—with a referees’ whistle as the bill. And in the unlikely event of a sleep包含, I promise the goals won’t come with an alarm clock. Punchline 2: My fantasy team asked for better defense; I told it to hire a goalkeeper who actually stops the ball, not just the ballads of the wind.
