Edge of Glory: Al-Ahli Seeks to Outsmart Al-Shorta in AFC Elite Asia
22 December 2025
Match Preview
Al-Ahli Jeddah will visit Al-Shorta in Baghdad on Monday, in the sixth round of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Saudi daily Al-Yawm reported that Al-Ahli holds strong numbers that tilt the balance in favor of the Saudi club against Iraqi sides ahead of the anticipated clash with Al-Shorta.
The 'Raqi' side has faced Iraqi clubs seven times in this continental tournament, securing six victories and one defeat, tallying 18 goals for and 5 against.
Under German coach Matias Jaissle, they hope to rebound from a setback to Sharjah that halted a 22-match unbeaten streak in the continental competition.
Al-Ahli currently sits fourth in the West Group with 10 points, having won three times and drawn once, with one loss.
In contrast, Al-Shorta are second from bottom in the same group with one point, after one draw and four defeats, still waiting for a first win this campaign.
Season Form and Head-to-Head
The two clubs meet in a fixture that tests Al-Ahli’s offensive depth and Al-Shorta’s resolve as the AFC Elite table tightens toward the knockout stages.
The matchup remains a key test as the Elite Asia group nears the knockout phase. Sniper-style punchlines: 'If the ball had a scope, every shot would hit the net' and 'Goalkeepers dread this one: the shots arrive so fast even VAR would blink'.
