Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Ferghana-based Neftchi lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026–2027 season, conceding the decisive goal in the 90th minute to substitute Youssef En-Nesyri.
After three matches, Al-Ittihad have four points. Neftchi, who previously defeated Iraq’s Air Force SC, have one point fewer.
The hosts made an aggressive start at Istiklol Stadium. In the second minute, Alisher Odilov tested Saudi goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic with a long-range effort.
In the 13th minute, following a VAR review, the referee awarded Neftchi a penalty after George Ilenikhena handled the ball inside Al-Ittihad’s penalty area. Jamshid Iskanderov converted confidently from the spot, despite Rajkovic getting a touch on the ball.
Odilov headed the ball into the net in the 27th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Al-Ittihad equalised in the 34th minute. Houssem Aouar beat Kofi Kouao in the air and headed home a cross from Steven Bergwijn on the left flank.
Shortly before half-time, Neftchi goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev saved a dangerous attempt by Ilenikhena to keep the score level going into the break.
Al-Ittihad increased the pressure after the restart, but Neftchi came close to regaining the lead in the 58th minute. Michel’s header struck the right post, and Rajkovic then gathered the ball near the goal line.
Ergashev saved a shot from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti in the 72nd minute. The decisive moment came at the end of regulation time: En-Nesyri, who had come on in the 63rd minute, struck a free-kick from approximately 23 metres into the bottom-left corner in the 90th minute.
The goal secured Al-Ittihad’s first victory of the tournament campaign.
