Al Gharafa narrowly lost 1-2 to Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the 2025-2026 season AFC Champions League Elite at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Monday.

Salem Al Dawsari (ninth minute) and Kaio Cesar (66th minute) powered the Saudi Arabian side to a two-goal lead in the exciting encounter before Ayoub Mohammed secured The Cheetahs’ only goal in 90+8 minute.

With the victory, Al Hilal are perfect with 12 points from four matches as they sit top of the pile in the West Zone standings and look in ominous form as they seek a fifth Asian title.

Al Gharafa, on the other hand, are rooted in three points, having managed only one win so far in the tournament.

Al Hilal will host Iraq’s Al Shorta in the next match, while Al Gharafa meet Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE.