Shabab Al Ahli Eliminate Al Ain, Al Bulayhi Makes Saudi History And AFC Backs Infantino

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From a dramatic UAE President’s Cup upset to a Saudi Pro League record and the AFC’s latest FIFA election stance, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Shabab Al Ahli knocked defending champions Al Ain out of the President’s Cup, Ali Al Bulayhi became the Saudi Pro League’s highest-scoring defender, and the AFC officially endorsed Gianni Infantino’s 2027 re-election bid.

Shabab Al Ahli Knock Al Ain Out Of President’s Cup

What Is It About
Shabab Al Ahli eliminated defending champions Al Ain from the UAE President’s Cup with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory at Rashid Stadium. Saeed Ezatolahi scored twice before Al Ain fought back to level, with Mateusão netting the winner in the 116th minute.

Why It Matters
It was Shabab Al Ahli’s second victory over Al Ain in six days, following their 2-0 league win. The match featured two penalties and two red cards, while Al Ain also lost Moroccan international Soufiane Rahimi to a suspected hamstring injury.

What’s Next
Shabab Al Ahli advance to the quarter-finals alongside Al Jazira and Al Wasl. Al Ain now face concerns over Rahimi’s fitness ahead of AFC Champions League Elite fixtures against Tractor on October 26 and Al Ittihad on November 2.

Ali Al Bulayhi Breaks Saudi Pro League Scoring Record

What Is It About
Ali Al Bulayhi has become the Saudi Pro League’s all-time highest-scoring defender with 22 goals, surpassing Farouk Chafai’s previous record of 21. The 36-year-old reached the milestone with two goals in Al Shabab’s 3-1 victory over Al Fateh.

Why It Matters
Al Bulayhi scored in the 31st and 54th minutes and was named Man of the Match. Of his 22 league goals, 17 came with Al Hilal, four with Al Shabab and one with Al Fateh, highlighting his attacking contribution throughout his career.

What’s Next
The victory moved Al Shabab to 11th place with 11 points from ten matches, while Al Fateh remain 16th. Al Shabab next face Al Ahli on October 30, with Al Bulayhi now holding the scoring record outright.

AFC Endorses Infantino’s 2027 FIFA Re-Election Bid

What Is It About
The Asian Football Confederation has officially endorsed Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president in 2027, giving the current president public backing from Asian football’s governing body.

Why It Matters
The endorsement comes just two months after the AFC joined UEFA and Concacaf in criticising Infantino over a controversial commercial proposal. That proposal was subsequently abandoned, making the AFC’s latest position a notable change in its public relationship with FIFA leadership.

What’s Next
The endorsement establishes the AFC’s position ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. Attention now turns to whether other continental confederations follow with similar announcements as the election approaches.

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