Defense and depth: How Al-Ahli advanced in AFC Champions League

Updated 05 April 2018
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Defense and depth: How Al-Ahli advanced in AFC Champions League

London: Thanks to a straightforward 2-0 victory over Iran’s Tractor Sazi, Al-Ahli progressed to the second round of the AFC Champions League a game of the group stage to spare. Here is why the Jeddah outfit succeeded in their march to the knockout stage.
Assiri’s ruthlessness
In a team that has qualified with just seven goals, Muhannad Assiri’s chipping in with three in three games helped a lot. His third came after 49 minutes against Tractor Sazi, the team’s first shot on goal. Al-Ahli do not create may chances but, thanks to Assiri, they have converted well and not missed the injured Omar Al-Somah.
The perfect group
Compared with Al-Hilal’s failed campaign, this was an easier affair. Qatar’s Al-Gharafa finished fifth in their league last season, Tractor Sazi are not at the same level as Iranian giants Esteghlal, while Al-Jazira do not have anything like the continental pedigree of fellow UAE outfit Al-Ain.

 

Thinking outside the box
Received football wisdom says you do not rotate goalkeepers, but coach Sergei Rebrov has ignored that rule. Yasser Al-Mosailem has played every minute in the Champions League, while Mohammed Al-Owais has started in domestic matches. Al-Mosailem has been excellent and made Rebrov look like a coaching genius.
Defensive discipline
Al-Ahli work hard with and without the ball — just three goals conceded tells its own story. Crucial to the gameplan was Claudemir. The defensive midfielder sat in front of the back four, broke down opposition attacks and launched forward forays for the team. The Brazilian did not put a foot wrong and was a key factor behind qualification.
Strength in depth
It was not just the goalkeepers who were rotated. Among those sitting on the bench during the group games were Australia international Mark Milligan, former Greece international Ioannis Fetfatzidis, and Saudi Arabia stalwarts Motaz Hawsawi and Housain Al-Mogahwi. The coach can rest, rotate and replace in the knowledge that the squad can handle the task of challenging on both domestic and continental fronts.

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Sergei Rebrov

Al-Ahli boss Sergei Rebrov is the Ukraine Permier League’s all-time highest scorer with 123 goals in 261 games foe Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk


LIV Golf announces return to Korea in 2026

Updated 09 March 2026
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LIV Golf announces return to Korea in 2026

  • Home favorites Korean Golf Club lead the field as Bryson DeChambeau and his Crushers GC team return to defend their LIV Golf Korea individual and team titles

BUSAN: LIV Golf today confirmed its return to Korea in 2026, with LIV Golf Korea set to be played at Asiad Country Club in Busan from May 28-31, 2026.

Marking a new chapter for the league in Asia, the 2026 event will introduce Asiad Country Club to the LIV Golf calendar in a multi-year agreement with the venue. Located in Korea’s second-largest city, the course has previously hosted international tournaments, including the BMW Ladies Championship and the 2002 Asian Games, and is regarded as one of the country’s finest championship venues.

Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, said, “Bringing LIV Golf back to Korea, and to Busan for the first time, is an important next step for the league and for our fans here. The appetite for LIV Golf continues to grow, and Asiad Country Club and the city of Busan give us a venue that meets our ambitions for the event, both competitively and culturally in Korea. We’re excited to build on the momentum from our debut last season and deliver another memorable week for Korean fans.”

Fans can join the waitlist now at LIVGolf.com to secure tickets for LIV Golf Korea 2026, with hospitality and grounds pass details to be announced soon. Fans are encouraged to join the waitlist early, with limited inventory available. Premium hospitality and corporate experiences will be available for purchase, alongside specialty-priced group tickets for parties of 10 or more. Children aged 12 and under will receive complimentary Grounds Pass admission (one per paying adult).

LIV Golf made its debut in Korea in 2025, where Bryson DeChambeau claimed the individual title and led his Crushers GC to a team victory, completing a memorable double sweep. DeChambeau will return in 2026 to defend his title against a world-class field featuring many of the biggest names in the game, including former Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim, who recently beat DeChambeau and Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm in dramatic fashion to claim the LIV Golf Adelaide individual title, his first professional win in nearly 16 years.

Home attention will center on Korean Golf Club, featuring an all-Korean lineup led by captain Byeong Hun An alongside Minkyu Kim, Younghan Song and Danny Lee. Formed in 2026, the team has already found momentum both on and off the course, securing domestic partners including HANWHA PLUS and apparel partner AMAZINGCRE. Backed by strong local support, Korean Golf Club brings its own distinct brand of K-golf to the LIV Golf league, reflecting the culture, energy and growing influence of the game in Korea around the world.

An, captain of Korean Golf Club, said: “Playing LIV Golf in Korea means a great deal to all of us. Competing at home, in front of Korean fans, brings a different level of pride. As a team, we’re excited to represent Korean golf on this stage and around the world, and we’re excited to show the energy, passion and competitiveness that define the way Korean Golf Club plays the game.”

A city known for its vibrant culture, energy, and iconic coastline, Busan will host LIV Golf for the first time, again expanding the league’s reach through its 14-event calendar taking place across 10 countries and five continents.

Park Heong-joon, mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “We are proud to welcome the LIV Golf League back to Korea and to host the event in Busan for the first time this May. Bringing a global sporting event of this scale to our city reflects Busan’s growing role as an international destination for sport, culture and tourism. We look forward to welcoming players, fans and visitors from around the world and showcasing the hospitality of Busan.”

As with last year’s event, which featured headline music acts including G-Dragon and IVE, the LIV Golf Korea experience will extend beyond the course, combining world-class competition with live music and unrivalled off-course entertainment. Details of the full concert and entertainment program will be announced soon.

The announcement of LIV Golf Korea 2026 marks the final event to be unveiled for LIV Golf’s 2026 season. The global golf league will host 14 events across 10 countries and five continents during the 2026 season, including its first-ever event in South Africa (March 19–22), alongside stops in Saudi Arabia, Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, the US, and the UK.

Notably, LIV Golf has already broken attendance records at LIV Golf Adelaide 2026, drawing more than 115,000 fans across the four-day tournament, including a single-day crowd exceeding 38,500 spectators, both new highs for the league and for professional golf events in Australia.