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6 things to watch in Match 6 of AFC Champions League Elite

Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney (left) will be looking to get his first AFC Champions League goal against Al-Ain. (SPL)
Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney (left) will be looking to get his first AFC Champions League goal against Al-Ain. (SPL)
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Updated 24 November 2024

6 things to watch in Match 6 of AFC Champions League Elite

Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney (left) will be looking to get his first AFC Champions League goal against Al-Ain. (SPL)
  • Ivan Toney looks to get off the mark, Al-Hilal face Al-Sadd again, and Al-Nassr aim to stay perfect under Pioli

RIYADH: International duties give way to club commitments as Asia’s best return to their home sides, with another defining week of AFC Champions League action — across both the ACL Elite and ACL Two competitions — on the horizon.

Players from ֱ and Qatar will be out to make a statement after a disappointing window, while those from the UAE will be buoyed by their improved fortunes on the road to North America for 2026.

As the players disperse across the vast continent, here are the six things to look out for this week.
Al-Sadd and Al-Hilal in a rematch of their epic semifinal

Five years on, people still talk about the remarkable 2019 semifinal between Al-Sadd and Al-Hilal.

Spearheaded by the recently retired Bafetimbi Gomis, Al-Hilal traveled to Doha and put four past Xavi’s Al-Sadd outfit in a dominant 4-1 win, with most observers believing the tie was all but settled as they returned to Riyadh for the second leg.

And after opening the scoring inside 15 minutes to take a commanding 5-1 aggregate lead, the tie looked done. And perhaps Al-Hilal thought so, too, because they conceded three times in three remarkable minutes to turn the game on its head.

What followed was the best of continental football in Asia, with Al-Hilal eventually surviving, despite a late scare and a last-minute free-kick that had everyone holding their breath.

The stakes are not quite as high this time around, but with the sides even stronger than they were back in 2019, even a match half as good would be something special.

Last chance for the defending champions

Just six months ago Al-Ain were the toast of the continent, lifting their second continental title with a dominant display over Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, thanks largely to the scintillating performances of Moroccan international Soufiane Rahimi.

What a difference a few months can make. Halfway through the League Stage of the recently reformatted tournament, the defending champions are yet to taste victory, and are rooted to the bottom of the 12-team West Zone with just a solitary point to their name.

With only four games remaining, and 12 points left on the table, it is pretty much now or never for Al-Ain. They need to take something from the visit of Al-Ahli to kickstart their campaign.

With ACL-winning coach Hernan Crespo recently relieved of his duties, replaced by serial title winner Leonardo Jardim, who won the ACL with Al-Hilal in 2021, perhaps a new voice and a new message might deliver the turnaround in form needed to keep their title defense alive.

Can Ivan Toney get off the mark in Asia?

Much was expected of English international Ivan Toney after his big-money move to Al-Ahli from Brentford — a switch Matthias Jaissle and the Al-Ahli faithful hoped would turn them into title contenders this season.

But two months in and Toney has failed to fire in Jeddah, at least when it comes to playing in Asia. His return of three goals from eight matches in the league is passable, although they need more if they are to start moving up from their current mid-table position.

While his lack of goals in the AFC Champions League Elite is not affecting them on the pitch so far, with four wins from as many games, including a 5-1 rout of Al-Shorta last time out, Toney will be keen to get off the mark on the continent to keep their good run going.

Against an Al-Ain side that has conceded 15 in just four games, the most of any of the 24 teams in either the West or East zones, this might be just the time to do it.

Al-Nassr look to remain perfect under Pioli

Changing a coach so early into a season is never a good sign, but is done to provide a circuit-breaker to turn around a side’s fortunes.

That was the case for Al-Nassr, whose start to the season included a loss to Al-Hilal in the final of the Super Cup, dropped points against Al Raed and Al Ahli in the league, and only managing a point against Iraqi side Al-Shorta in their opening game of the AFC Champions League Elite.

That saw Luis Castro replaced by Serie A-winning coach Stefano Pioli. It was a brave call, but one that has been justified. A shock loss in the King’s Cup aside, Al-Nassr are yet to taste defeat in either the league or AFC Champions League, going three for three on the continent since his arrival.

After thumping defending champions Al-Ain 5-1 in their most recent outing, they will be looking to maintain their perfect record on the continent under Pioli when they travel to the glorious Al-Bayt Stadium, which two years ago hosted the FIFA World Cup, to take on Al-Gharafa.

UAE champions try to keep pace

It has been a weird old season for defending UAE Pro League champions Al-Wasl.

On one hand, they are undefeated in their last five in all competitions. On the other, they have failed to win in the league since September, and are dangerously close to falling off the pace so early into their title defense.

Their form on the continent has matched their topsy-turvy season overall. They have gone win, loss, win, draw in their first four games, and face a tricky trip to Iraq to face a desperate Al-Shorta in midweek.

Star man Fabio Lima should be absolutely primed after his four-goal haul for the national team in their 5-0 rout of Qatar in World Cup qualifying last week. Can he maintain that form and help Al-Wasl take another step toward the knockout rounds?

Can Korean champions survive the cut?

The other major storyline of Matchday Six comes from the East Zone, where back-to-back Korean champions and two-time ACL winners Ulsan HD are currently the worst-performing team in the competition, with four losses from as many games.

Not only that, they are yet to score a single goal. It is a staggeringly poor return for a club with the pedigree and resources of Ulsan, who have made it out of the group in all but one of their last six campaigns and won the title in 2020.

They face off this week with Chinese champions Shanghai Port, needing to win at least three of their final four to give themselves a chance of progressing. Can they do it?


Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign

Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign
Updated 20 October 2025

Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign

Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign
  • The Tigers beat Al-Shorta of Iraq 4-1 in Baghdad to record their first victory in the group stage after 2 defeats
  • Goals from Moussa Diaby, Fabinho and Houssem Aouar gave new coach Sergio Conceicao his first win since replacing sacked Laurent Blanc on Oct. 7

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad beat Al-Shorta 4-1 on Monday to claim their first win in the AFC Champions League this season, and also hand new coach Sergio Conceicao a welcome first victory in his second game since taking over from sacked Laurent Blanc on Oct. 7.

The pressure was on the 2004 and 2005 continental champions, who had lost their first two group games, prior to Conceicao’s arrival, and it looked like they were in for another tough night in Baghdad against an Iraqi side who caused problems for their visitors throughout.

In fact, Al-Ittihad found themselves trailing after only five minutes, when Bassam Shakir put the hosts ahead to send the home fans wild. The midfielder reacted quickly at the far post to head home Mehdi Ashabi’s flick-on from a right-sided corner.

The Tigers were back on level terms just 12 minutes later, however, after Mahamadou Doumbia robbed an opponent of possession and chipped a smart cross toward Moussa Diaby, who headed home.

Just before the half-hour mark, the Jeddah giants took the lead in some style when Fabinho stepped up to bend a spectacular free-kick from about 25 meters out into the bottom corner of the net, a goal worthy of any stage.

Shortly before the break, Al-Shorta thought they were level when Dominique Mendy’s fierce drive hit the bar and the ball appeared to bounce down behind the line. The video assistant referee ruled otherwise.

There was better news for the hosts five minutes after the restart, as the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Danilo Pereira received a second yellow card for a foul. With Al-Shorta looking dangerous throughout the match, the game looked like it could go either way.

On the hour mark, however, Houssem Aouar extended Al-Ittihad’s lead, sidefooting from close range into an empty net after a driving run by Diaby.

Aouar scored his second, and his team’s fourth, after 76 minutes to seal the victory. Diaby was the provider once again, pulling the ball back from the left side of the area for the Algerian to slide home.


Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5
Updated 20 October 2025

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5
  • South African pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth delivery with the second new ball for 19 to give some respite to his team

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan punished poor catching from South Africa to accumulate 259-5 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Had the tourists not dropped five catches on a turning pitch they would have been in a better position after Pakistan won the toss and batted.

Skipper Shan Masood, dropped on 71 off a luckless Keshav Maharaj, top-scored with 87 while Abdullah Shafique — dropped four times — made 57.

Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha will resume on Tuesday unbeaten on 42 and 10 respectively, with the home team seeking a 2-0 series win against the world Test champions.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth delivery with the second new ball for 19 to give some respite to his team.

Maharaj, who missed the first Test in Lahore through injury, took 2-63 and fellow spinner Simon Harmer 2-75.

With the bulk of bowling done by Maharaj and Harmer, spinner Senuran Muthusamy — who took 11 wickets in the first Test — was surprisingly used for just four overs.

The final session also saw Masood fall to an uppish sweep off Maharaj, caught by Marco Jansen, after hitting two four and three sixes in his innings.

Earlier, Shafique’s chancy knock finally ended when he edged Harmer to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne after adding an invaluable 111 runs for the second wicket with skipper Masood.

The struggling Babar Azam, again cheered by a home crowd willing him to return to form, was dismissed for just 16 when Tony de Zorzi took a low catch at silly point for Maharaj’s first wicket.

Azam has gone 29 Test innings without a century.

Maharaj himself dropped Shafique on 15 off his own bowling and then saw Aiden Markram drop the same batter on 41 and 53.

Shafique also survived on nine when a Jansen delivery rolled onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails.

In the morning session South Africa’s only breakthrough came from Harmer, who bowled Imam-ul-Haq for 17 with a sharp turner that beat the bat and hit off-stump.

Rabada was also unlucky when Tristan Stubbs dropped Shafique in the slips off the fourth ball of the match when he was on nought.

Having won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, Pakistan included a third spinner in Asif Afridi, dropping fast bowler Hasan Ali.

At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the second oldest Pakistani Test debutant, behind Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955.


Pakistan name pacer Shaheen Afridi new ODI captain

Pakistan name pacer Shaheen Afridi new ODI captain
Updated 20 October 2025

Pakistan name pacer Shaheen Afridi new ODI captain

Pakistan name pacer Shaheen Afridi new ODI captain
  • Pakistan sack Mohammad Rizwan as ODI skipper after early Champions Trophy exit, series defeat against West Indies
  •  Afridi will lead Pakistan against South Africa in a three-match series at home from Nov. 4-8, says Pakistan Cricket Board 

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday it has appointed left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new skipper of the national men’s squad for the One Day International (ODI) format, weeks before the upcoming South Africa series. 

Rizwan’s status as ODI captain was thrown into doubt by the PCB after it released a statement last week that it was “yet to finalize a captain” for the South Africa ODI series, scheduled to take place from Nov. 4-8. The PCB said white-ball head coach Mike Hesson had called for a meeting of the selection committee to make a final decision on the ODI captaincy.

Rizwan was appointed by the PCB as ODI skipper last year and led the side to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. However, this year he was unable to impress the selectors. Pakistan under Rizwan’s captaincy lost a home tri-series final to New Zealand and suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy tournament before suffering an away series defeat against the West Indies.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain of the Pakistan men’s ODI team,” the board said in a statement. “The left-arm fast bowler will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to take place at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November.”

The PCB said that the decision was made following a meeting held in Islamabad, which was attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed and members of the national selection committee.

Afridi has played 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is for Pakistan, taking a combined 249 wickets in both formats. In 32 Tests, excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the lanky pacer has claimed 120 wickets.

Afridi was previously appointed captain of Pakistan’s T20 squad in an away series against New Zealand in 2024. However, the pacer was sacked from the role and replaced with former captain Babar Azam after only one series. 


Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia

Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia
Updated 20 October 2025

Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia

Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia
  • Region’s first and only trail running series created exclusively for women returns on Nov. 1
  • Hannah Hall: Too many women have never had the opportunity to experience what happens when you leave your comfort zone, dig deep and cross that finish line

DUBAI: The Women’s Epic Arabia, the region’s first and only trail running series created exclusively for women, is set to return to Dubai on Nov. 1.

The event will be held at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, with support from the Dubai Sports Council and managed by CAB Sports.

Born in the mountains of Utah, the Women’s Epic was created to give women their own space on the trails, a place to push limits, discover strength and celebrate every finish line. Today, that same mission lives on in Dubai, with the race aiming to bridge the gap for women in the running world and give more ladies the chance to feel the high of crossing a finish line, perhaps for the very first time.

“Too many women have never had the opportunity to experience what happens when you leave your comfort zone, dig deep and cross that finish line,” said Hannah Hall, event marketing for Women’s Epic Arabia.

“Women’s Epic is proud to be changing that. We’re determined to empower women in the UAE to take their first step onto the trail and discover just how unstoppable they truly are,” she added.

This year’s event will offer accessible distances for all runners: A welcoming 1 km to get started, the adventurous 5 km and 10 km challenges, and a more trying 20 km race set for future editions on more demanding terrains. At the heart of the experience is the signature Women’s Epic Bell that runners ring at each milestone kilometer, marking their progress with sound and strength.

Eisa Sharif, director, events department at Dubai Sports Council, was thrilled to see Dubai once again at the forefront of a new initiative, especially for women. “We have been led by the vision of our benevolent leaders who have always been keen to encourage us toward fresh challenges. Having an event of this stature definitely raises the profile for women’s sports in Dubai, in the UAE and in the Middle East,” he said.

“Entries have been filling up as a brisk pace, and we are confident of a superb experience for all participants next month,” Sharif added.

After the race, participants can recharge at the Polynesian-inspired Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, with access to its relaxing facilities and vibrant atmosphere. Family-friendly experiences (such as the Kids Club and Tiki House) and other wellness offerings are available for those staying at the resort. These experiences are available to all guests and are not tied to a specific offer for Women’s Epic participants.

Tania Carmona, Mexican ultrarunner, adventurer and Dubai-based writer, joins as one of the newest Women’s Epic Ambassadors. Carmona made history as the first Latin American and ninth woman in the world to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam Plus, conquering more than 1,250 km across five of the planet’s toughest deserts.

Joining her is Dr. Joyce Azzam, Lebanese mountaineer, motivational speaker, conservation architect and UN Women Goodwill ambassador. Azzam is the first Lebanese woman to climb the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest, and is the founder of the MounTurtle Mountaineering Academy.

Women’s Epic is also set to announce more events in the future, expanding the series and bringing fresh trails and challenges to women across the UAE.


Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test
Updated 20 October 2025

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test
  • South Africa dropped five catches after Pakistan won toss and elected to bat first 
  • Shan Masood top-scored with 87 while opener Abdullah Shafique scored 57 runs 

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan punished poor catching from South Africa to accumulate 259-5 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Had the tourists not dropped five catches on a turning pitch they would have been in a better position after Pakistan won the toss and batted.

Skipper Shan Masood, dropped on 71 off a luckless Keshav Maharaj, top-scored with 87 while Abdullah Shafique — dropped four times — made 57.

Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha will resume on Tuesday unbeaten on 42 and 10 respectively, with the home team seeking a 2-0 series win against the world Test champions.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth delivery with the second new ball for 19 to give some respite to his team.

Maharaj, who missed the first Test in Lahore through injury, took 2-63 and fellow spinner Simon Harmer 2-75.

With the bulk of bowling done by Maharaj and Harmer, spinner Senuran Muthusamy — who took 11 wickets in the first Test — was surprisingly used for just four overs.

The final session also saw Masood fall to an uppish sweep off Maharaj, caught by Marco Jansen, after hitting two four and three sixes in his innings.

Earlier, Shafique’s chancy knock finally ended when he edged Harmer to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne after adding an invaluable 111 runs for the second wicket with skipper Masood.

The struggling Babar Azam, again cheered by a home crowd willing him to return to form, was dismissed for just 16 when Tony de Zorzi took a low catch at silly point for Maharaj’s first wicket.

Azam has gone 29 Test innings without a century.

Maharaj himself dropped Shafique on 15 off his own bowling and then saw Aiden Markram drop the same batter on 41 and 53.
Shafique also survived on nine when a Jansen delivery rolled onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails.

In the morning session South Africa’s only breakthrough came from Harmer, who bowled Imam-ul-Haq for 17 with a sharp turner that beat the bat and hit off-stump.

Rabada was also unlucky when Tristan Stubbs dropped Shafique in the slips off the fourth ball of the match when he was on nought.

Having won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, Pakistan included a third spinner in Asif Afridi, dropping fast bowler Hasan Ali.

At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the second oldest Pakistani Test debutant, behind Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955.