Al-Ahli players celebrate with their fans after finding the net during the match.

JEDDAH, Sept 16:  Defending champion Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia launched its AFC Champions League Elite campaign thrillingly, overturning a deficit to defeat Uzbekistan’s Nasaf 4–2 at home.

New Brazilian signing Enzo Melo was the star of the show, scoring twice in the space of three minutes during the second half to ignite the comeback. The victory was sealed deep into stoppage time when Riyad Mahrez struck with a clinical finish, sending the home crowd into celebration.

With this win, Al-Ahli extended its remarkable run in continental competition, remaining the only club unbeaten since last season’s edition.

In the UAE, Sharjah kicked off its group-stage campaign with a dramatic 4–3 victory over Al-Gharafa of Qatar at Sharjah Stadium.

The contest was finely balanced until the 86th minute, when Al-Gharafa’s Khalifa Babiker was shown a red card, leaving his team vulnerable in the closing stages. Sharjah capitalized on the advantage to secure all three points, while Al-Gharafa were left empty-handed after the opening round.

Elsewhere, Al-Ittihad Jeddah slipped to a 2–1 defeat against Al-Wahda, while Iraq’s Al-Shorta was  held to a 1–1 draw by Al-Sadd of Qatar.