Al Fateh must beat Group B leaders Lekhwiya and hope Esteghlal Khouzestan lose to Al Jazira today in order to progress to the 2017 AFC Champions League Round of 16.
Unbeaten Lekhwiya’s 3-1 victory over Al Jazira two weeks ago secured top spot in the standings meaning they can go into the encounter at Abudullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in relaxed mode, albeit without the suspended influential midfielder Karim Boudiaf.
The scenario couldn’t be more different for the visitors, whose win and three draws – including a 2-2 stalemate with Lekhwiya on Matchday Two – has kept their slim chances of progression alive going into the final round of fixtures.
Lekhwiya defeated Al Khor 3-1 in the Emir Cup on Thursday as the Qatar Stars League leaders maintained their challenge for honours across the board.
