In the high-stakes environment of the AFC Champions League, Al-Ahli Jeddah and Sharjah FC are set to clash at King Abdullah Sports City on November 24, 2025. With Al-Ahli sitting pretty in second place with 10 points and Sharjah languishing in eighth with just 4 points, this matchup isn't merely about bragging rights; it's a defining moment for both sides. For Al-Ahli, a win would strengthen their claim for the top spot and instill confidence heading into the knockout rounds. Conversely, Sharjah is desperate for points to keep their campaign alive and rectify their dismal form.
Predicted Lineups
Both teams have shown some tactical consistency lately:
- Al-Ahli Jeddah: GK: Edouard Mendy, DEF: Roger Ibañez, Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral, Matteo Dams; MID: Franck Kessié, Matheus Gonçalves, Riyad Mahrez; FWD: Ivan Toney, Firas Al-Buraikan.
- Sharjah FC: GK: Darwish Mohammad, DEF: Yu-min Cho, Vladimir Prijović; MID: Adel Taarabt, Igor Coronado; FWD: Rey Manaj.
For Al-Ahli Jeddah, recent performances underline their tactical superiority. In their last outing against Al-Ittihad FC-a vital league match-they secured a narrow 1-0 victory despite being outshot (15-6 total shots). It's telling that while they consistently create fewer chances than their opponents (averaging only 6 total shots in recent matches), they possess a resolute defensive structure complemented by standout goalkeeping from Edouard Mendy. He has become a crucial factor; his five saves against Al Sadd were instrumental in preserving that important away win.
On the flip side lies Sharjah FC's current plight. Having suffered three defeats in their last four matches-including a humiliating 5-0 loss to Tractor Sazi-confidence is clearly eroded within the squad. Their statistics reflect a team grappling with offensive impotence. A mere one goal scored across three games speaks volumes about their struggles in front of goal-a critical weakness against an organized defense like Al-Ahli's.
Possession stats further paint the picture: while Al-Ahli averages around 59% possession over recent games (dominating midfield engagements), Sharjah often finds themselves chasing shadows with less than 42% ball retention during similar periods. It begs the question: Can they break through an increasingly disciplined backline?
Tactically speaking, this match presents contrasting philosophies-Al-Ahli's structured buildup play against Sharjah's hit-or-miss counterattacks. While each match can tell a different story based on tactics employed or players' individual brilliance, it's hard not to envision Al-Ahli's midfield dynamism wreaking havoc on Sharjah's leaky defense. Players like Riyad Mahrez will be pivotal here-not only does he bring flair but also experience that could unlock the tightest of defenses.
Let's talk key players. For Al-Ahli Jeddah, eyes will be firmly fixed on Ivan Toney-his knack for finding space and ability to convert those half-chances make him lethal inside the box. With five goals this season across competitions already under his belt (one coming from an exceptional late-game equalizer versus Al Riyadh), his ability to score when it matters most makes him a central figure in this tie.
Contrast this with Sharjah's Igor Coronado-a player who's looked lively but ultimately ineffective due to lack of service and support up front. If he can find a rhythm alongside Rey Manaj-who despite two goals this season still shows flashes of brilliance-the team might provide itself with opportunities to trouble Mendy between the sticks.
Despite possessing skilled players like Coronado and Manaj as potential difference-makers for Sharjah FC, there's overwhelming evidence suggesting they're unlikely to overcome what seems like an insurmountable challenge given recent forms and stats alone.
A combination of high shot totals yet low conversion rates underscores alarming patterns: While sharpshooting through recent encounters has rarely been beneficial for them (evident from just six total shots at goal against Al-Ittihad recently), if this doesn't change against an alert Jeddah defense focused on preventing any shots on target whatsoever-it could well be another long night for them.
Ultimately? The contrasts tell us everything we need about expectations leading into this fixture. Jeddah thrives on its winning mentality fueled by formidability at home versus their rival's defensive frailty resulting from inconsistency under pressure-and here lies your definitive hot take:
Expect nothing short of an emphatic victory for Al-Ahli Jeddah-a solid prediction considering they have shown tenacity and ruthlessness where it counts most amidst substantial pressure contrasted by dire conditions facing Sharjah FC away from home-which should result in at least two goals separating them come full time!