Ittihad begins its AFC Champions League Elite campaign with thrilling draw against Al-Shamal

Al-Ittihad secured a thrilling draw against Al-Shamal, finishing 1-1 in their opening match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027, with the equalizer coming in stoppage time.

Al-Shamal hosted the match between the two teams on Monday evening, as part of the first round of the western region competitions, where Al-Ittihad remained at risk of leaving empty-handed until the last moments.

Al-Shamal took the lead through Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah in the 63rd minute, capitalising on his team's advantage during that phase, putting the visitors in a difficult position to come back into the match.

Al-Ittihad intensified their efforts in search of an equaliser before Dutchman Jorginho Wijnaldum appeared in stoppage time to net the equaliser for Al-Shamal in the 93rd minute.

Wijnaldum's goal came just seconds before the final whistle, granting Ittihad a valuable point away from home and sparing the team a difficult start in their AFC Champions League Elite campaign.

With this result, Ittihad has earned its first point in the tournament, while the team awaits a new match in the second round against Shabab Al-Ahli at home in Jeddah.

Al-Ittihad will face Shabab Al-Ahli on October 13, looking for their first win in the tournament after settling for a draw against Al-Shamal in the opening round.