Al Ahli vs Johor Darul Ta’zim: AFC Champions League Elite Preview and Prediction

Al Ahli secured a 2-1 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim in the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-final first leg at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Friday, April 17, 2026. The match kicked off at 14:45 UTC and marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in continental competition.

Al Ahli took the lead in the 19th minute when Ali Majrashi scored an own goal for Johor Darul Ta’zim, putting the Saudi side ahead 1-0. Johor Darul Ta’zim equalised in the 37th minute through Majrashi himself, who converted from close range to make it 1-1.

The decisive moment came in first-half stoppage time. Franck Kessié headed home from a Wenderson Galeno cross in the 45+3rd minute to restore Al Ahli’s lead at 2-1. Galeno then sealed the win with a second goal in the 54th minute, finishing after a assist from Zakaria Al Hawsawi to make it 3-1.

Despite Johor Darul Ta’zim enjoying 53% possession and registering 11 shots compared to Al Ahli’s 10, the Saudi side were more clinical in front of goal. Al Ahli managed three shots on target, while Johor Darul Ta’zim forced only one save from Édouard Mendy.

Al Ahli entered the match coming off a 1-0 extra-time win over Al-Duhail in their previous AFC Champions League Elite encounter, with Riyad Mahrez scoring the sole goal. Johor Darul Ta’zim had advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the round of 16, although their away leg performance had been inconsistent.

The match was officiated by a referee yet to be named, with VAR in use as per tournament regulations. King Abdullah Sports City hosted the fixture, which formed part of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite quarter-final stage.