Champions Al-Ahli in confident mood ahead of Asian title defence

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FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Saudi Super Cup - Final - Al Nassr v Al Ahli - Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong, China - August 23, 2025 Al Nassrs Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File photo

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli will begin the defence of their Asian Champions League Elite title against Uzbekistans Nasaf in a buoyant mood on Monday, boosted by Matthias Jaissles recent decision to extend his contract with the continental champions.

The German coach will lead his team into their opening clash of the new campaign in Jeddah with the ink having only recently dried on a deal that extends his stay with the club by another two seasons after first arriving in the country in 2023.

It was an historical moment to win the trophy, Jaissle said of his sides triumph back in May over Japans Kawasaki Frontale. It creates confidence but it also creates expectations.

We want to take that momentum in a positive way by carrying good memories and this confidence into the new season.

Al-Ahli will be one of three clubs from Saudi Arabia in the 24-team field attempting to win the title, with the competition once more divided into western and eastern leagues for the opening phase.

Jaissles side are joined by cross-Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad, who won the Saudi Pro League title last season, and Riyadhs Al-Hilal, the four-times Asian champions.

On Tuesday,