Shabab Al Ahli vs Khorfakkan Rescheduled for April 29, 2026 Ahead of AFC Semi-final
UAE Pro League shifts Shabab Al Ahli v Khorfakkan to April 29, 2026 (7:20pm, Rashid Stadium) as the club prepares for its AFC Champions League Elite semi-final.
Shabab Al Ahli will now meet Khorfakkan on April 29, 2026 at Rashid Stadium after the UAE Pro League approved a fixture change to accommodate continental commitments.
The match was moved from its original date to 7:20pm UAE time to allow Shabab Al Ahli additional preparation time following their progression in Asia.
The league confirmed the alteration as part of a broader adjustment to the remaining schedule in the run-up to season’s end.
UAE Pro League confirms new kick-off for Shabab Al Ahli v Khorfakkan
The governing body announced the postponement to Wednesday, April 29, 2026, slotting the fixture at Rashid Stadium with a 7:20pm start.
League officials said the change is intended to balance domestic competition needs with clubs’ continental obligations.
Clubs affected by the reschedule have been asked to coordinate logistics with the league and match organisers.
Decision driven by Shabab Al Ahli’s AFC Champions League Elite semi-final
Shabab Al Ahli’s schedule was reshuffled after the club advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, prompting the league to protect its continental campaign.
The Emirati side is due to face Japanese club Machida Zelvia on April 21, 2026 at 20:15 UAE time in a decisive continental fixture that precedes the domestic match.
League sources said the change gives Shabab Al Ahli recovery and travel flexibility while preserving the integrity of the Pro League calendar.
Round 23 fixtures set for April 23–24, 2026
Round 23 will be played across two days: Friday and Saturday, April 23–24, 2026, with several stadiums hosting key ties.
On April 23, Sharjah will host Al Wahda at Sharjah Stadium, Ittihad Kalba face Baniyas at Kalba Stadium, and Al Bataeh meet Al Ain at Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium.
On April 24, Al Dhafra take on Ajman at Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium, Al Wasl host Dibba at Zabeel Stadium, and Al Nasr travel to face Al Jazira at Al Maktoum Stadium.
Round 24 line-up and the Shabab Al Ahli v Al Nasr marquee on May 6, 2026
Round 24 is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5–6, 2026, with a full slate of fixtures across the Emirates.
On Tuesday, May 5, Ajman will play Al Jazira at Rashid bin Saeed Stadium, Ittihad Kalba host Khorfakkan at Kalba Stadium, Al Dhafra meet Baniyas at Baniyas Stadium, and Dibba face Al Bataeh at Dibba Stadium.
Wednesday, May 6 features Al Wahda versus Al Wasl at Al Nahyan Stadium, Sharjah against Al Ain at Sharjah Stadium, and a high-profile closing match as Shabab Al Ahli host Al Nasr at Rashid Stadium.
Packed schedule raises strategic decisions for clubs and coaches
The calendar adjustments come at a pivotal stage of the season, forcing coaches to prioritise squad rotation and injury management.
Shabab Al Ahli face the dual demands of continental competition and an impending domestic cup final, presenting selection dilemmas for the coaching staff.
Opponents and league administrators will monitor recovery windows closely to ensure competitive balance as teams manage travel and fixture congestion.
Shabab Al Ahli’s involvement in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup final makes April and May a decisive period for the club’s season ambitions.
The league’s rescheduling aims to safeguard both domestic competition fairness and the club’s opportunity to advance on the continental stage.
Supporters can expect further official communications from the UAE Pro League with any additional logistical updates ahead of the revised fixtures.