Champions League: Bounedjah scores a poacher's goal against Aouar! (video)

Al Shamal faced Al Ittihad Jeddah in the opening match of the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League.

Vice-champions of Qatar, the red and whites were led by their captain and iconic figure Baghdad Bounedjah for their first match in this prestigious Asian competition.

Against the club of Houssem Aouar, Al Shamal aimed to make a good impression with a new Nassim Benaissa, the 24-year-old Algerian midfielder from Al Merkhiya, in their starting eleven.

The Qatari club finally opened the scoring in the 76th minute thanks to their striker Bounedjah, perfectly assisted by the Tunisian Ben Romdhane, with whom he executed a one-two after recovering the ball from an opponent's throw-in.

The Algerian, moving intelligently, found himself in a good position to score with a powerful left-footed shot. Just when victory seemed within reach, Steven Bergwijn equalized in the 94th minute with a pass from Wijnaldum.

Final score 1-1. A disappointing result for Al Shamal just before the break, although it marked Bounedjah's fourth goal in six matches, who is expected to return to the national team during the next international break.

DZfoot