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Ultimate Showdown in Asia's Elite Cup: Is Al Ahli vs Al Hilal The Real Final Preview?

26 March 2026

Ultimate Showdown in Asia's Elite Cup: Is Al Ahli vs Al Hilal The Real Final Preview?
Ahli vs Hilal: Asia Elite Cup semifinals preview

Analysis

Ahmed Atif, the former Saudi football star, says the Elite AFC Champions League is easier than the Roshen Saudi League, narrowing his picks to Al Ahli vs. Al Hilal.

Al Hilal and Al Ahli have led the West Group in the Elite ACL, and they could meet in the semifinals for a second straight year if they advance from the Round of 16 and quarters.

Atif told the program "Dawrina" that Al Ahli will play three Roshen matches before the Elite ACL Round of 16, and must focus on Asia more than the league.

And he added: "The Elite ACL should be dominated by Saudi clubs; but Al Ittihad is out due to current circumstances, and I see Al Ahli closer to winning it than Al Hilal."

Al Ahli sits third in the Saudi league with 62 points, five behind leaders Al Nassr and two behind Al Hilal. Stay tuned as the rivalry heats up, and yes, if football were a math test, Asia Elite would be the easy section—just don't forget to show your work. Punchline: crosshair on humor. Punchline 2: I score with puns.

Al Ahli sits third in the Saudi league with 62 points, five behind leaders Al Nassr and two behind Al Hilal.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ahmed Atif and what did he say about the Asia Elite Cup?

Ahmed Atif is a former Saudi football star who says the Elite AFC Champions League is easier than the Roshen League and predicts Al Ahli and Al Hilal as the main contenders.

Which teams lead the West Group and what could their path look like?

Al Hilal and Al Ahli have led the West Group; they could meet in the semifinals for a second straight year if they advance from the Round of 16 and the quarters.

What did Atif say about focusing on Asia over the league?

He suggested Al Ahli should prioritise the Asian competition, as the Elite ACL might be easier to win than the domestic league, which is more competitive.