Doha, Qatar – Al Ahli will host Uzbekistan’s Andijan today at Al Thumama Stadium in the final matchday of Group B in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 qualifying stage. The outcome of this match, alongside the concurrent fixture between Arkadag and Al Khalidiya, will determine which teams advance to the knockout rounds. Al Ahli currently lead the group, but their qualification isn’t guaranteed.
The match kicks off at Al Thumama Stadium at an unspecified local time. Al Khalidiya are simultaneously playing away against Turkmenistan’s Arkadag, the current AFC Challenge Cup champions. Both games are crucial as the group stage concludes, with the results impacting the progression of teams into the next phase of the continental competition.
The Race for AFC Champions League Qualification
Al Ahli currently hold a narrow lead in Group B with seven points, but Andijan are close behind on five. A win for Andijan would see them surpass Al Ahli and secure direct qualification for the knockout stage. Any slip-up from the Qatari side could prove costly, making this a high-stakes encounter.
Meanwhile, Al Khalidiya are also in contention, but an Arkadag victory would significantly alter the group dynamics. The complex interplay of results means that goal difference could become a deciding factor if teams finish level on points. This adds another layer of tension to both matches taking place today.
Al Ahli’s New Leadership
Today’s match also marks a significant change for Al Ahli, as it is the debut of new head coach Younes Ali. Ali was appointed following the dismissal of Croatian Igor Peščan. The club will be hoping for an immediate positive impact from the coaching change as they push for a place in the knockout stage.
Al Ahli will rely on the experience of key players such as Julian Draxler, Idriss Fettouhi, Éric Expósito, Oumar Sekou, Michel Vlap, and goalkeeper Marwan Sherif. Their collective experience will be vital in navigating the pressure of this crucial match and securing a favorable result. The team’s attacking prowess will be key to overcoming a determined Andijan side.
Andijan’s Continental Debut
Andijan are making their first appearance in the AFC Champions League, and they remain firmly in contention for qualification. Founded in 1964, the Uzbek club has a history of domestic success, having won the Uzbekistan Cup once and the Professional League title three times (2005, 2018, and 2022).
The team is coached by Russian Alexander Khomyakov, and they are expected to be motivated by strong support from their traveling fans. Andijan’s attacking threat is led by striker Rustam Turdimurodov and Slovenian playmaker Altin Krežić, who will pose a challenge to the Al Ahli defense. Their relative inexperience in the competition could be a factor, however.
Looking Ahead: AFC Champions League Knockout Stage
Following the conclusion of the group stage, the Round of 16 is scheduled to take place from February 10 to 19. The quarter-finals will then be played from March 3 to 12, followed by the semi-finals from April 7 to 15. The AFC Champions League final is currently scheduled for May 16.
The exact details of the knockout stage draw and venue selections remain to be confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The performance of teams in other groups will also influence the seeding and potential matchups. The coming weeks will reveal which teams will continue their pursuit of continental glory.
The outcome of today’s matches will determine the final composition of the knockout stage, and fans will be watching closely to see which teams can successfully navigate the challenges ahead and compete for the AFC Champions League title. The competition remains open, and several teams are still capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
The final standings of Group B, and the subsequent draw for the Round of 16, will be closely monitored by football fans across Asia. Uncertainty remains regarding potential injuries and tactical adjustments, which could influence the results of the upcoming knockout rounds.
