Al Ahli are aiming for a spot in the AFC Champions League Two final.
Doha, Qatar: Al Ahli coach Younes Ali yesterday acknowledged a tough challenge against Al Nassr but said his team is ready and eager to put in a strong performance in the AFC Champions League Two semi-final at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai today.
Al Ahli, who defeated Jordan’s Al Hussein 3-1 in the quarter-finals to advance, will face the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman in a side coached by Jorge Jesus. Al Nassr blanked Al Wasl 4-0 in the quarter-finals.
But Ali is counting on his players, with Al Ahli boasting Julian Draxler, Erik Exposito, Sekou Yansane and Michel Vlap.
“We are fully prepared to face Al Nassr and are looking forward to delivering a strong performance against a formidable side,” the Al Ahli coach said at a press conference yesterday.
“Al Nassr have good players, but Al Ahli’s players also have high technical ability, especially the strikers. They played a remarkable game in the quarter-final, created many chances, and faced a goalkeeper who made several saves,” he added.
“I believe we will be more clinical against Al Nassr.”
Ali said Al Ahli received a massive confidence boost following the win over Al Hussein.
“All the players are eager to maintain their strong form in tomorrow’s match. It will be a more difficult match than our previous games, given the strength of the opponent and the quality of their players. I expect few scoring chances, but we will be ready for the challenge.”
Al Ahli goalkeeper Marwan Sharif echoed his coach’s views.
“We are looking forward to continuing the team’s outstanding run in the tournament,” he said.
“We have gone nine matches unbeaten since the start of the tournament, and we will give everything to maintain this winning streak in tomorrow’s game. The match will not be easy, but we are aware of the responsibility on us. We will exert every effort against Al Nassr to achieve the desired result.”
The winning side will meet Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final on May 16.
Al Nassr coach Jesus said his team will go all out to secure a place in the title clash.
“Our goal is to win and qualify for the final,” said the Portuguese tactician.
“We have great respect for Al Ahli. The team includes well-known professionals who have played for major European clubs, and they deserve to reach this stage. I expect a difficult match. Semi-final games cannot be predicted in advance.”
Al Nassr forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan said: “Winning the AFC Champions League title is one of our most important goals this season. Tomorrow’s match against a respected opponent is very important and pivotal. It is like an early final in the tournament.”
