Basra (IraqiNews.com) – Basra International Stadium is set to host a high-stakes continental encounter on Monday evening, October 12, 2026, as Iraqi powerhouse Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya welcomes UAE champions Al Ain for the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Scheduled for kick-off at 9:15 PM Baghdad time (+03:00 GMT), the fixture represents a pivotal opportunity for “The Falcons” to rebound from their opening-day defeat against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana and open their points account in the expanded league phase.
The hosts enter the tie backed by strong home support and a fully fit roster. Having parted ways by mutual consent with Tunisian tactician Fathi Al-Jabal earlier this season, the club turned back to Omani manager Rashid Jaber, who famously guided Al-Jawiya to the Iraq Stars League crown last season.
Monday night’s clash marks Jaber’s first continental appearance in his renewed tenure, with the coaching staff focusing on tactical discipline and defensive compactness to neutralize Al Ain’s attacking trident while capitalizing on swift transitional play.
Al Ain arrives in Basra holding three points from their first outing and carrying significant continental pedigree as former Asian champions. With the Emirati side seeking to solidify their standing near the top of the group standings, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya faces an intense tactical battle where securing maximum points on home soil is critical to sustaining their qualification momentum.
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