Al Ain duo and Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves named in AFC Champions League Elite Team of the Round

The Asian Football Confederation has named Al Ain’s Egyptian defender Rami Rabia and Moroccan forward Hussein Rahimi in its official Team of the Round for the opening matchweek of the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite league phase.

The pair played key roles in Al Ain’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. Rabia helped provide defensive stability as the Emirati club kept a clean sheet, while Rahimi scored twice in a dominant performance.

His brother Sufyan Rahimi also scored once, with Giacoumakis completing the rout against Al Nassr.

Al Hilal are represented in the selection by Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, who scored a penalty in their 2-1 win against Qatar’s Al Gharafa.

The AFC announced the line-up on Sunday, 20 September 2026, describing its selections as the players who “wasted no time in making their mark” in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The full Team of the Round is:

Goalkeeper: Vladimir Nazarov (Pakhtakor)

Defenders: Koffi Kouao (Neftchi), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Jang Hyun-soo (Al Gharafa), Lee Myung-jae (Daejeon Citizen)

Midfielders: Hussein Rahimi (Al Ain), Takashi Usami (Gamba Osaka), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Prince Ampem (Shanghai Port)

Forwards: Aleksandar Cavric (Kashima Antlers), Ngeva Rakotoharimalala (Ratchaburi)

Al Ain lead the West Asian standings after the first round with three points and a superior goal difference.

They are level on points with Esteghlal, Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, Neftchi and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. The six clubs all recorded three points in the opening round, with their positions separated by goal difference.