Shabab Al Ahli reach last 16 despite Al Ahli defeat

February 17, 2026 / 1:05 AM

Sharjah24: Shabab Al Ahli secured qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 despite a 3–4 defeat to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

Al Ahli moved into second place with 17 points after the win, while Shabab Al Ahli finished sixth with 11 points, securing their place in the knockout stage.

Seven-goal thriller in Jeddah

Al Ahli took the lead through Firas Al Brikan in the 12th minute, and an own goal by Shabab Al Ahli’s Bogdan Planic in the 35th minute doubled the advantage.
French midfielder Enzo Millot added a third in first-half stoppage time (45+3), and Saleh Abu Al Shamat scored the fourth from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute.

Shabab Al Ahli responded strongly, with Breno Cascardo scoring twice in the 66th and 78th minutes, before Mohammed Juma netted a late goal in the 95th minute, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.