Story perspectives

Al-Aihi Wins 1-0, Foreign-Player Disparity Sparks Debate

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Al-Aihi beat Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in the AFC Champions League final in Jeddah.
Firas al-Buraikan scored the winner while Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for head-butting Tete Yengi.
Al-Aihi fielded nine foreign players while Machida used three, highlighting a squad composition disparity.
The AFC’s Jeddah knockout format limited the tournament to 12 of 47 members and saw the semi-final attract 395 spectators in a 27,000-seat stadium, raising fairness concerns.

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Story summary

Al-Aihi beat Japan’s Machida Zelvia 1-0 in the AFC Champions League final in Jeddah.
Firas al-Buraikan scored the winner while Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for head-butting Tete Yengi.
Al-Aihi fielded nine foreign players while Machida used three, highlighting a squad composition disparity.
The AFC’s Jeddah knockout format limited the tournament to 12 of 47 members and saw the semi-final attract 395 spectators in a 27,000-seat stadium, raising fairness concerns.