Escaped defeat: Al-Ahli begin their AFC Champions League Elite title defence with a disappointing draw

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia, holders of the AFC Champions League Elite title, opened their title defence without a win. A disappointing draw against visitors Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan left them frustrated on home soil.

The 1-1 result came in Monday's meeting between the two sides at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, in the first round of the league phase of the Asian tournament.

From the outset, the Saudi side controlled the run of play. Yet their players took it in turns to squander chances in front of the Uzbek goal, and none could snatch the opener.

Punishment arrived in the 86th minute. Flamarion found himself completely clear in front of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and slotted home to put Pakhtakor ahead.

Chasing an equaliser in the dying moments, Firas Al-Buraikan levelled it in stoppage time. He pounced on a rebound from the Uzbek keeper after a shot from Edward Spertsyan and placed the ball inside the net.

Al-Ahli almost snatched a late winner in the minutes that followed, but Spertsyan wasted a clear-cut chance before the referee blew the final whistle.

For the Saudi side, the draw stung. They were the better team throughout and had been heavy favourites to win by a wide margin.

Nerves are building among the Al-Ahli faithful over these fluctuating results, especially with a meeting against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa to come next Saturday for the Africa, Asia and Pacific Cup title.

The stalemate leaves Al-Ahli and Pakhtakor fifth in the West group standings, on a single point apiece, level with Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia and Al-Shamal of Qatar.