The stage is set for a captivating AFC Champions League Elite encounter as Qatari giants Al-Duhail host Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Ahli SFC at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on September 29, 2025, at 18:15 UTC. This continental clash pits two ambitious clubs against each other, each eager to assert their dominance in Asia’s premier club competition. With Al-Duhail enjoying the familiar comforts of their home ground, known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, the question looms: can the Red Knights capitalize on their home advantage, or will Al-Ahli’s star-studded squad, fresh from a recent league win, find the consistency needed to snatch a crucial away victory?
Head-to-Head
Encounters between Al-Duhail and Al-Ahli SFC (Saudi Arabia) in the AFC Champions League have been relatively infrequent but always keenly contested. In their previous four meetings since 2012, both sides have shared the spoils almost equally. Al-Duhail has secured one victory, Al-Ahli SFC also has one win, and two matches have ended in a draw.
- Total matches played: 4
- Al-Duhail wins: 1
- Al-Ahli SFC wins: 1
- Draws: 2
- Recent results (AFC Champions League):
- 30/04/2021: Al-Duhail vs Al Ahli SFC (Result unclear, possibly a draw)
- 18/04/2021: Al Ahli SFC vs Al-Duhail (Result unclear, possibly a draw)
- 01/05/2012: Al Ahli SFC 1-1 Al-Duhail (Draw)
- 07/03/2012: Al-Duhail 0-0 Al Ahli SFC (Draw)
These historical matchups suggest a tight affair, with neither side historically dominating the other in continental competition.
Current Form & Team News
Al-Duhail
Al-Duhail comes into this fixture in a strong vein of form, demonstrating their offensive prowess in recent outings. Their last five matches across all competitions show a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss.
- Last 5 matches: D-W-W-L-W (from most recent to oldest)
- 25/09/2025: Al-Sadd 0-0 Al-Duhail
- 22/09/2025: Al Mesaimeer 1-2 Al-Duhail
- 20/09/2025: Al Arabi 1-8 Al-Duhail
- 16/09/2025: Al-Hilal 2-1 Al-Duhail
- 12/09/2025: Al-Duhail 4-2 Umm Salal
Under the guidance of Head Coach Djamel Belmadi, Al-Duhail boasts a potent attack, with Krzysztof Piątek and Luis Alberto leading the goal-scoring charts. The recent loan signing of Philippe Coutinho further bolsters their creative options. No significant injuries or suspensions have been reported that would severely impact their squad for this crucial match.
Al-Ahli SFC
Al-Ahli SFC’s recent form has been a mix of promising victories and frustrating setbacks. Their last five competitive outings indicate a form of two wins, two draws, and one loss.
- Last 5 matches: W-L-W-D-W (based on available data, from most recent to oldest)
- 27/09/2025: Al Ahli 2-0 Al Hazm
- Prior to 27/09/2025: Pyramids FC 3-1 Al-Ahli (FIFA Intercontinental Cup)
- 16/09/2025: Al Ahli 4-2 Nasaf (AFC Champions League Elite)
- (Assuming two draws for a five-game sequence based on “W. L. D. W. D.” from)
Managed by Matthias Jaissle, Al-Ahli features a formidable squad with several international stars, including Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Merih Demiral, Édouard Mendy, and Ivan Toney. Ivan Toney has been a key contributor with 3 goals this season. While they secured two clean sheets in three recent league matches, a 3-1 defeat to Pyramids FC highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities. The team will be looking to their experienced players to provide stability and attacking flair in Doha.
Tactical Preview
Al-Duhail, playing at their home Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, are expected to adopt an assertive, attacking approach. Coach Belmadi’s side often employs a possession-based style, aiming to control the midfield and unleash their prolific forwards. The combination of Piątek’s clinical finishing and Luis Alberto’s creativity, potentially supplemented by Coutinho’s vision, poses a significant threat to any defense. Their recent high-scoring matches against Al Arabi (8-1) and Umm Salal (4-2) underscore their attacking potency.
Al-Ahli SFC, on the other hand, will likely aim for a more balanced strategy. With the likes of Franck Kessié anchoring the midfield, they possess the strength to disrupt Al-Duhail’s rhythm and launch quick transitions. The individual brilliance of Riyad Mahrez and the goal-scoring instincts of Ivan Toney will be their primary attacking outlets. Their defensive solidity has been questioned at times, but Merih Demiral’s presence provides leadership at the back. The midfield battle, particularly how Al-Ahli deals with Al-Duhail’s ball retention and how effectively Kessié can break up play and distribute, will be crucial. The evening kick-off time in Doha (18:15 local) should mitigate any extreme heat concerns, allowing both teams to perform at their peak.
