Al-Ittihad Secures First AFC Champions League Elite Win with Late Comeback Over Neftchi 2-1
What happened
Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad overturned an early deficit to defeat Uzbekistan’s Neftchi 2-1 on October 26, 2026, securing its inaugural win in the revamped AFC Champions League Elite.
The Context
* A high-stakes turnaround: Neftchi claimed an opening advantage through a 17th-minute penalty by Jamshid Iskandarov, but Houssem Aouar leveled the score for Al-Ittihad in the 34th minute. * Decided in stoppage time: Striker Youssef En-Nesyri converted a free kick in the 90+1st minute to finalize the comeback victory at Independence Stadium in Fergana. * Table implications: The away result lifts the two-time continental champions to 4 points in the West Group standings across 3 matchdays, keeping them ahead of Neftchi at 3 points.
The Number
— The minute mark when Al-Ittihad converted the decisive set piece, illustrating how marquee roster investments protect competitive standing right at the wire.
Takeaway
Expect Al-Ittihad to leverage this points cushion as they navigate the expanded league phase and push for top seeding in continental knockouts.
Arabic-language coverage of international news and geopolitics.
"RT Arabic is a Russian state-funded outlet often criticized for promoting Kremlin-aligned narratives."
— A47 Editor
النصيري يهدي اتحاد جدة فوزا "قاتلا" أمام نيفتشي الأوزبكي
Youssef En-Nesyri rescued Al-Ittihad Jeddah from a draw with a late-game winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Nefchi of Uzbekistan in Matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League Elite, according to RT Arabic.
Arabic-language coverage of Saudi, regional, and international affairs.
"Al Bilad offers mainstream Saudi newspaper coverage across domestic and broader Arab topics."
— A47 Editor
نخبة آسيا.. الاتحاد يخطف فوزًا قاتلًا من نيفتشي الأوزبكي
Al-Ittihad defeated Nefchi of Uzbekistan 2-1 on Monday in Fergana, winning a thrilling Group West match in Round 3 of the AFC Champions League Elite at the Istiqlal Stadium after an opening that saw both sides press quickly, according to Al Bilad.
Economic, business, and financial reporting from Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
"Al Watan economy coverage often centers Saudi economic policy, business activity, and reform themes."
— A47 Editor
الاتحاد يخطف انتصارا ثمينا
Al Ittihad secured their first win in the AFC Champions League Elite with a 2-1 victory away to Nefchi of Uzbekistan at the Istiqlol Stadium, in Matchday 3 of the West Asia group league stage. Trailing 0-1 after Jamshid Iskandarov converted a penalty...