Two wins, three games: UAE football shining in AFC Champions League

Dubai: UAE football is making an early statement in the AFC Champions League Elite, with two of the country’s three representatives recording impressive victories in Matchweek 2, while Al Wasl suffered a defeat.

Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli both secured valuable wins against established regional rivals, strengthening their positions in the West Region and underlining the UAE Pro League’s ability to compete at the highest level of Asian club football.

Al Ain delivered the most emphatic performance, thrashing Iraq’s Al Quwa Al Jawiya 4-1 away from home on Monday. The result continued their excellent start to the 2026-27 campaign, having opened their continental campaign with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr.

Kaku opened the scoring in the 13th minute before an own goal from Air Force Club defender Saed Al-Rousan doubled Al Ain’s advantage five minutes later. El Houssine Rahimi then took centre stage, scoring twice in the first half to put the visitors firmly in control.

Air Force Club managed a late consolation in the 89th minute, but Al Ain had already done more than enough to secure a second consecutive win. They have now scored eight goals and conceded just once across their opening two matches, putting them at the top of the West Region standings on goal difference.

Shabab Al Ahli also produced a significant result, claiming a narrow 2-1 away victory over Al-Ittihad Club in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun proved decisive, scoring both goals as Shabab Al Ahli secured all three points against the Saudi Pro League side at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

The win gives Shabab Al Ahli a perfect record of six points from their first two matches, placing them among the early contenders in the West Region. Beating Al-Ittihad on their own ground is a notable achievement and provides further evidence of the UAE side’s ability to challenge some of Asia’s biggest clubs.

Al Wasl, meanwhile, were unable to complete a clean sweep for the UAE representatives, losing 3-1 at home to defending champions Al Ahli Saudi on Monday.

Roger Ibanez put the visitors ahead before Pedro Malheiro equalised in first-half stoppage time. However, goals from Trincao and Feras Al-Brikan after the break secured the victory for the Saudi side.

Despite Al Wasl’s setback, the overall picture is encouraging for UAE football. Two wins from three matches in the latest round provide a positive return, particularly given the strength of the opposition.

With Al Ain scoring freely and Shabab Al Ahli showing they can grind out results away from home, the UAE’s representatives have made a promising start.