Al-Shalhoub: AFC Elite draw balanced, Al-Hilal among top contenders

Saudi football legend and former Al-Hilal star Mohammed Al-Shalhoub described the AFC Elite Champions League draw, held Tuesday morning in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as "balanced." He noted that competition in this continental tournament demands high readiness and meticulous planning from all participating clubs aiming to go far in the final stages.

The group stage draw for the AFC Elite Champions League (2026-2027) produced tough fixtures for Al-Hilal, who will host Al-Ain and Shabab Al-Ahli from the UAE, Al-Gharafa from Qatar, and Pakhtakor from Uzbekistan. Away, Al-Hilal will face Al-Sadd (Qatar), Neftchi (Uzbekistan), Al-Wasl (UAE), and Al-Shamal (Qatar).

Speaking exclusively to Ajel, Al-Shalhoub said: "The draw is balanced for all teams. Competing in a tournament of the AFC Elite Champions League's stature requires high readiness and continuous, precise planning from every club seeking to advance to the final rounds."

Commenting on Al-Hilal's prospects, he added: "The team's chances are always strong thanks to its rich continental experience and renowned character. Taking each match step by step is the best way to achieve the club and fans' ambitions of returning to the Asian podium."

Al-Hilal sits atop Asian football history, having won the title four times—the most recent in 2021—and holds the record for most final appearances. Thanks to that, Al-Za'eem proves in every edition that it is the difficult number and remains one of the top candidates for the title.