In a remarkable development in continental sporting events, the Asian Football Confederation rejected the official request submitted by the Saudi clubs participating in the AFC Champions League, which included an urgent desire to amend the start dates of the Round of 16 matches to suit the spirituality and timings of the holy month of Ramadan.

Details of the Asian rejection and the Saudi clubs' justifications:
Informed sources confirmed that the Asian Football Confederation's competitions department adhered to the previously set schedule, rejecting the Saudi proposal to postpone the kickoff to at least 10:00 PM Mecca time. The Saudi request aimed to give players and fans ample time after breaking their fast and performing Taraweeh prayers, ensuring a large crowd and optimal player fitness.

Based on this decision, it was confirmed that the match between Al-Ahli Saudi Club and its Qatari counterpart Al-Duhail will be held at Al-Inma Stadium at 9:15 pm, a time that the clubs considered relatively early during the nights of the holy month.

The
Asian Champions League round of 16 is set to feature some high-profile matches this March, with the first legs taking place on March 3rd and 4th, and the decisive second legs on March 10th and 11th. All eyes will be on the Saudi Arabian clubs as they look to dominate this year's competition.

• Al-Hilal Saudi Club: faces a strong challenge against Al-Sadd Qatari Club.
• Al-Ahli Saudi: clashes with its Qatari counterpart Al-Duhail in a Gulf summit.
• The Saudi Federation will face Al Wahda of the UAE in a highly anticipated match.

The context of the tournament and the importance of its timing
give this edition of the AFC Champions League exceptional significance, as it comes within the framework of the new structure of Asian competitions aimed at raising the technical and marketing level of the game in the continent. Saudi clubs are considered the strongest contenders for the title due to the significant support and international signings they have recently made.

Playing during Ramadan presents a physiological challenge for professional players, requiring a strict dietary regimen to replenish fluids and energy in the short time between Iftar (breaking the fast) and the match. Furthermore, match timing directly impacts attendance, as fans in the Arab region prefer sporting events to start later in the evening after completing religious observances and family obligations. This makes the Asian Football Confederation's decision an additional challenge for host clubs to ensure full stadiums.

Al-Shabab FC officially announced in the past few hours the signing of veteran Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri to take over as head coach of the first team. This decisive decision came after a series of meetings that resulted in the agreement to part ways with Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil, due to the team's significant decline in recent results, which necessitated urgent intervention to get back on track.

The man for tough jobs in the Roshan League

Noureddine Benzekri enjoys an exceptional reputation in Saudi football, where he is nicknamed "The Man for Difficult Tasks" or "The Savior." Al-Shabab's decision to sign him is based on his extensive experience in dealing with the technical and psychological crises that teams face. This move is a serious attempt to replicate Benzekri's previous successes, as Al-Shabab fans are counting on him to revive the fighting spirit known as "Grinta," which the coach is famous for instilling in his players. This is something Al-Shabab desperately needs amidst the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League this season.

A proven track record of escaping the specter of relegation

The Algerian coach boasts a unique coaching record in the Saudi League, having successfully guided four different clubs to safety in the professional league despite the complex circumstances surrounding them. His epic rescue journey began in the 2018-2019 season when he took over Al- Fayha at a critical juncture, skillfully securing the team's place in the top flight.

The achievement did not stop there, as Ben Zekri returned to repeat the scenario in an even more exciting way with Damac in the following season 2019-2020. In that season, everyone was betting on Damac's relegation, but the Algerian coach turned the expectations around and succeeded in keeping the team away from the danger zone, continuing in the Professional League competition thanks to his positive results in the decisive rounds.

The success story continues with Al-Akhdoud and Al-Kholoud

The “savior” complex was reinforced for Ben Zekri when he returned to Saudi stadiums to save Al-Akhdoud in the 2023-2024 season. The task seemed almost impossible given the difference in capabilities and the difficulty of the competitors, but the tactical realism of the Algerian coach led the team to achieve the achievement of survival, which critics and analysts considered a turning point in the club’s history.

Last season, Ben Zekri continued his favorite pastime, successfully guiding Al- Kholoud to safety. He used his technical expertise to manage crucial matches, helping the club overcome its challenges before leaving at the end of the season, leaving an indelible mark. Today, Ben Zekri embarks on a new chapter and a different challenge with Al-Shabab, a prestigious club that aspires not only to survive but also to reclaim its former glory and rightful place among the elite of Saudi football.

The official signing of veteran Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri by Al-Shabab FC to lead the first team has sparked widespread reactions in the sports community, especially as this appointment comes at a sensitive time for the club. Benzekri succeeds Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil, whose contract was terminated due to poor results and performances that failed to meet the expectations of Al-Shabab fans.

Ben Zekri defends his history and rejects narrow categorization

In his first media statements, characterized by boldness and confidence, Noureddine Benzekri rejected the notion that his coaching career could be confined to the role of a "rescue coach" or "firefighter" called upon only when teams are threatened with relegation. Benzekri explained the details of the negotiations, saying, "The negotiations with Al-Shabab's management lasted a full month, and I rejected several offers from other Saudi clubs during that time. The reason is that I am not looking to repeat the experience of saving teams from relegation that has become associated with my name in the past.".

The Algerian coach added, explaining his point of view with evidence: “Whoever describes me as a rescue coach is very wrong about me and my technical work. My recent experience with Al-Kholoud Club, which lasted for eight months, is the best proof, as I proved my ability to build a strong team and compete with big and prestigious teams such as Al-Ettifaq, Al-Fateh, Al-Khaleej and Al-Fayha, and present real football.”.

Youth Project: The Lions Return to Competition

Ben Zekri is well aware that coaching Al Shabab is different from his previous experiences. Al Shabab is considered one of the four pillars of Saudi football throughout history, and it boasts a fan base that always demands trophies and championships. Regarding this challenge, he said: “Al Shabab is a great and historic club, and I returned to the Kingdom for a truly ambitious project. My main goal is to restore the Lions to their rightful place at the top of the standings and to deliver performances worthy of the history of this great club.”.

General context and challenges of the next phase

Ben Zekri's return to the Saudi League comes at a time when the competition is witnessing tremendous development and attracting international stars, making the task even more difficult and challenging. Al-Shabab are counting on Ben Zekri's extensive experience in Saudi football, having previously coached several clubs and left a clear mark thanks to his strong leadership and high level of tactical discipline. It is expected that Ben Zekri will focus in the coming period on restoring the players' morale after a period of poor results with Al-Ghawasil, in addition to implementing a playing style that suits the capabilities of the current squad to achieve the necessary balance.

Ben Zekri’s description of his mission as a “great project” indicates a long-term plan that is not limited to improving current results, but extends to building an artistic identity for the team that enables it to compete with clubs vying for local and continental titles, which is what the youth fans are eagerly awaiting.