Al Ain continued their impressive start to the 2026-27 AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite with a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq’s Air Force Club (Al Quwa Al Jawiya) at the Basra International Stadium on Monday in Matchweek 2.
El Houssine Rahimi scored twice as Al Ain claimed their second consecutive victory, taking their tally to six points and keeping them top of the West Region standings on goal difference.
Al Ain made a flying start, opening the scoring through Kaku in the 13th minute before doubling their lead five minutes later when Air Force defender Saed Al Rousan turned the ball into his own net.
The visitors continued their impressive attacking display, with El Houssine Rahimi extending the advantage to 3-0 in the 23rd minute.
Rahimi struck again in the 43rd minute to complete his brace and give Al Ain a commanding four-goal lead before half-time.
Air Force managed to pull a goal back in the 89th minute, but it was too late to threaten Al Ain’s comfortable lead.
The result maintained Al Ain’s perfect record in the competition, following their 4-0 home victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in their opening match.
Al Ain have now scored eight goals in their first two matches, conceding just once, as they strengthen their position at the top of the West Region standings.
Ivic demands continued focus from Al Ain: Vladimir Ivic urged Al Ain FC to maintain their concentration throughout their campaign despite their impressive win. ‘Congratulations to my players. We came here to win and played good football in the first half, creating plenty of chances,’ said Ivic. ‘We controlled the second half but at times, we created problems for ourselves.
‘We must stay fully focused from start to finish. Our lapses allowed the opposition to score, win a penalty and create chances too easily.’
Two defeats have left Air Force head coach Rasheed Jabar with plenty to address, although he took encouragement from his side’s improved second half performance.
‘The match was decided in the opening 15 minutes. It was a difficult game and we tried to make adjustments in the second half,’ said Jabar. ‘I knew this would be a tough match. Congratulations to them.
‘The changes in the second half gave us more movement but it is difficult to come back from 4-0 down against a team with players of that quality.
‘The positive was that we produced an acceptable performance in the second half, both individually and as a team. We can build on that but we must learn from this match.’
Pusic applauds Al Ahli’s character, Vitoria rues missed chances: Marino Pusic praised his players’ character and discipline after Al Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al Wasl FC 3-1.
Roger Ibanez put the two-time defending champions ahead in the 20th minute at the Zabeel Stadium and despite Pedro Malheiro drawing Al Wasl level in first-half stoppage time, second-half goals from Trincao and Feras Al Brikan powered the Saudi Arabian side to victory.
‘I am extremely proud of my players and their performance,’ said Pusic. ‘What matters most to me is the character and qualities they possess, particularly given the intense schedule we are currently navigating.
‘I am pleased with the players’ fighting spirit and high level of discipline on the pitch. I am confident in their ability to overcome challenges, despite the congested match schedule.’
With a domestic league clash against Al Nassr Club looming, Pusic stressed the importance of recovery.
‘It is essential to put this match behind us and focus entirely on physical recovery to ensure we enter the domestic league clash against Al Nassr with the highest possible level of technical and physical readiness.’
Al Wasl head coach Rui Vitoria, meanwhile, felt his side had begun brightly but paid the price for a lapse in concentration and their inability to take their chances.
‘We started very well, particularly in the first 20 minutes. I haven’t watched the match back yet, but my impression was that we played very well in the opening stages,’ said Vitoria. ‘After the goal, we lost concentration for about 10 minutes and I didn’t like that period.’