West and East Zones Deliver Drama in AFC Champions League Elite Matchday Two

The AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 delivered a packed slate of fixtures on Tuesday, October 14, 2026, featuring decisive wins, historic achievements, and strong reactions from managers across the West and East Zones.

West Zone Action

In Jeddah, Shabab Al Ahli secured a 2-1 victory against Al Ittihad Club. Shabab head coach Andre Jardine praised his side’s execution of counter-attacking tactics under pressure, moving his team to maximum points after two rounds. On the opposing side, Al Ittihad’s Wissing lamented a slow start to the encounter.

Meanwhile, in Doha, Al Hilal SFC defeated Al Sadd SC 2-0. Italian tactician Simone Inzaghi attributed the success to thorough preparation following their Saudi Pro League match against Al Ittihad the previous Saturday, with goals from Ollie Watkins and Ruben Neves sealing the club’s second consecutive win.

East Zone Highlights

Kashima Antlers maintained a perfect start by overcoming a tough test against Cong An Ha Noi FC, securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of a 61st-minute own goal by Nguyen Abou Leygley Minh. Head coach Toru Oniki praised his squad’s grit.

Beijing FC also stayed perfect in the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Buriram United, prompting praise from manager Nick Montgomery, while Buriram’s Mario Silva expressed disappointment over an off night.

In Kameoka, Kyoto Sanga FC claimed a 1-0 victory over Ratchaburi FC thanks to a late strike from substitute Temma Matsuda. Coach Ranko Popovic dedicated the club’s first continental points to the staff working behind the scenes.

Finally, Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) made history in Pohang by defeating FC Pohang Steelers 2-0. The result marked the first time a Malaysian club side has won an away fixture in the Republic of Korea, leaving head coach Xisco Munoz jubilant.

Source: The AFC