(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) red knights host qatar?s al sadd tonight at rashid stadium in afc champions league
The al ahli players celebrate after scoring a goal against dubai in the arabian gulf league match. — kt file
Al ahli are looking forward to build on their strong start in the first round of the afc champions league when they host qatar’s al sadd at the rashid stadium here on wednesday.
Al ahli held hosts al hilal to a 2-2 draw at the king fahad stadium in riyadh, the stronghold of the riyadh-based saudi clubs in a match which they should have won. thiago opened the scoring for al hilal, but luiz jimenez cancelled the hosts advantage and grafeti put al ahli in the lead in the 58th minute, before salman al faraj levelled for the home team at the hour mark.
In doha, al sadd had a great start to the competition with a clear 3-1 home victory over the iranian giants sepahan.
However, al ahli’s romanian coach cosmin olaroiu said he didn’t like to play against his former team al sadd, but this is part of professionalism in the game. and while he’s truly happy to see them in dubai, he must well tune his side for the crucial tie.
“i have spent good times in qatar,” he said. “al sadd is a good side with high technical standard. they have recently brought tabata who has added to this,” he said.
“i hope the game will be a good game to the delight of the expectedly big crowd which will come to watch the match,” he said.
Al ahli’s international defender abdul aziz sanqoor said they are ready for the challenge. “we know al sadd are one of the top clubs in the region and we have great ambitions to do well in the championship,” he added.
For al sadd’s moroccan coach hussein amotta, there’s nothing easy in football but they are in dubai to battle for the best possible result.
“this game is very crucial. we know we are playing against the leaders of the arabian gulf league and it’s my opinion that al ahli is one of the front runners for the title and deserve all respect,” he said.
“al ahli are technically better and will receive the support of their home fans and hopefully we will be able to do well and play a good game though we understand that it’s going to be very difficult encounter for us. it will be very nice to return to doha with a single point,” he added.
“we always target full points and i’m sure the spectators will enjoy the game because both sides play open match,” he added.
“i will do my best to see my side playing an attack game and be lucky enough to score against the home team,” he said.
Al sadd player rodrigo tabata said they will try to show the best of them and with the former liga’s veteran star in the lineup, they have every chance to excel.
“raul has played 20 years in real madrid. he is a great player and carries a lot of hope. i am very happy to be playing alongside him. i hope he has a good game and helps the team get three points.”
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