Muharraq, Khaldiya kick off ACL Two campaigns

Bahraini giants launch Asian group stage matches today

Bahrain’s Muharraq and Al Khaldiya are set for their opening fixtures in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, Asia’s second-tier club competition. Both clubs will play their first matches today in the group stage.

Muharraq, crowned champions of the 2024-25 Bahrain Premier League, return to continental action in the ACL Two’s new format. Twice winners of the competition in its former AFC Cup form (2008 and 2021), they are drawn in Group A alongside Al Wehdat (Jordan), Al Wasl (UAE), and Esteghlal (Iran).

The Reds open against Al Wehdat at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad, with kick-off set for 9:15 PM. Muharraq’s squad includes Sanad, Jameel, Waleed, Benaddi, Morellato, Sheroqi, Alhardan, Tobares, Almalood, Sofiane, Lazar, Hanan, Rabeea, Hussain, Diarra, Jaafar, Lutfalla, Olivera, Albanna, Santos, Alkhukasi, Juninho, Rezende, and Simoes.

King’s Cup holders Al Khaldiya return for a second straight ACL Two season. Drawn in Group B with Al Ahli (Qatar), PFC Andijon (Uzbekistan), and FC Arkadag (Turkmenistan), they kick off today against Al Ahli at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, starting at 7 PM Bahrain time.

Both Bahraini sides compete in the West Asia region, which also includes Sepahan (Iran), Mohun Bagan (India), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia). East Asian groups feature teams from China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The group stage continues until December 24, with knockouts early next year and the final on May 16, 2026.