Shabab Al-Ahli Edges Al Ittihad 1-0 in Asian Champions League

Al Ittihad's struggles continue with loss to Shabab Al-Ahli

Saeid Ezatolahi scores the winning goal as Shabab Al-Ahli beats Al Ittihad 1-0 in the Asian Champions League Elite. Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté unable to make an impact as Shabab Al-Ahli secures a crucial win.

“The only thing we can say is we will come back stronger, we will try to improve the things we did not do well...”

Al Ittihad suffered a second consecutive defeat in the Asian Champions League Elite, this time at the hands of Shabab Al-Ahli. Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi scored the winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory for the visitors in Jeddah. This loss comes despite Al Ittihad's star-studded lineup, which includes Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho.

The defeat occurred under the interim leadership of Hassan Khalifa, who took over after Laurent Blanc's dismissal following Al Ittihad's loss to Al Nassr in the domestic league. Khalifa faces an uphill task to turn the team's fortunes around, both domestically and in the Asian Champions League Elite.

Saeed Ezatolahi headed in the game's only goal five minutes before halftime, emerging at the far post to nod in Federico Cartabia's corner from the right. This decisive goal secured a 1-0 win for Al Ittihad.

The result leaves Al Ittihad in 11th place in the 12-team West Asian league phase standings after two matches. With only the top eight finishers qualifying for the knockout rounds in March, Al Ittihad faces an uphill task to secure a spot in the next stage.

Asia Champions League Elite
🏁 Round 2
⚽️#Alittihad_ShababAlAhli pic.twitter.com/YpIKGGmV5N

— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) September 30, 2025

“After a loss, it's always hard to describe how we feel, it's not good,” said Al Ittihad defender Mario Mitaj.

“The only thing we can say is we will come back stronger, we will try to improve the things we did not do well and apologies to our fans who came to see us.”

Shabab Al-Ahli, led by Paulo Souza, has jumped to four points after their recent win. They are currently two points behind the early leaders Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia. Interestingly, Shabab Al-Ahli is tied in points with fellow Emirati sides Sharjah FC and Al Wahda, as well as the defending champions Al Ahli.

In a separate match held in Doha, Sharjah FC fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Al-Sadd. The equalizing goal was scored by Brazil-born striker Caio Lucas in the 73rd minute, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure.

Qatar international Akram Afif gave Al Sadd the lead in the 18th minute with a well-struck effort from the edge of the area. The shot flew past Darwish Mohammad at the near post, putting Al Sadd ahead.

Caio missed a penalty opportunity three minutes later but redeemed himself with 17 minutes remaining. He volleyed in Adel Taarabt's lofted pass from close range, doubling Al Sadd's lead and securing a crucial victory.