Toney Declares Al Ahli Ready to Rule Asia Again with Riyad Mahrez | OneFootball

Al Ahli begin title defence against Nasaf, with Al Ittihad and Al Hilal also chasing glory

Toney Declares Al Ahli Ready to Rule Asia Again with Riyad Mahrez

English striker Ivan Toney who joined Al Ahli Saudi from Brentford in 2024 hopes to defend the crown.

He netted 6 goal last season and formed lethal duo with Algerian star Riyad Mahrez .. a 2021 Champions league winner with Man City.

Toney & Mahrez partnership

Speaking to the Associated Press, Toney said:

The AFC Champions League Elite 2025 /26 begins on Monday 5 September with Saudi clubs expected to once again set the tone in Asia’s top competition.

Saudi supremacy last season

Saudi Arabia’s dominance was clear in the previous edition as 3 clubs reached the semi finals before Al Ahli lifted the trophy with 2 - 0 win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah last May.

Strong contenders return

This season, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad & Al Hilal are back in the competition and tipped to challenge again. Al Ahli host Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan in their group stage opener while Al Ittihad travel to face UAE’s Al Wahda.

Tournament format

The group stage features 24 team, split into West & East zones. The top 8 from each zone will progress to the Round of 16.