Defending Asian Champions League Elite winners Al-Ahli could face Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta'zim in the quarterfinals next month-if they defeat Qatar’s Al-Duhail in their rescheduled Round of 16 match.
The single-leg knockout game will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of the centralized tournament format. The ongoing Middle East conflict has already delayed all four West Asia Round of 16 matches from early March to April 13-14.
Other quarterfinal matchups include Japanese side Vissel Kobe versus either Saudi giants Al-Hilal or Qatar’s Al-Sadd. Thai champions Buriram United will play the winner of Iran’s Tractor FC and UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli. Japan’s Machida Zelvia awaits the victor of the clash between Saudi’s Al-Ittihad and UAE’s Al-Wahda.
Quarterfinals run April 16-18, semifinals April 20-21, and the final is set for April 25 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.