Abu Dhabi: Former champions Al Ain face a do-or-die match against Uzbekistan’s Nasaf at home if they are to advance into the round of 16 of the Asian Champions League.
The action starts at 8.30pm at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
The battle for second place in Group ‘D’ is still wide open and three teams still have a chance of qualifying for the next round. Qatar’s El Jaish, with 10 points from five outings, have cemented their place at the top.
But Al Ain, with seven points, need a win.
A draw would allow the newly-crowned Saudi Arabian champions Al Ahli, on six points, to go through if they end up winning their outing against El Jaish.
An away win for Nasaf, who have five points, will allow them a safe passage into the next round if Al Ahli cannot take three points in Jeddah.
A victory for Al Ahli over El Jaish will take them to the second spot ahead of Nasaf and Al Ain but they will qualify only if Al Ain fail to beat Nasaf.
Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic, speaking ahead of the crucial outing, said: “The last-round draw with Nasaf in Uzbekistan in front of their fans was tough but we won a very important point. I think Nasaf is a strong team and they have some good players who can make an impact when on the offensive.”
The Croatian revealed that his team have been training hard and are up for the challenge.
“The team in the last seven days was training in high spirits and is ready for the task at hand. We will be looking to take control of the game from the start and for that we need to be more organised throughout the game. I have great confidence in my players and they possess strong ability to overcome all the circumstances.”
Nasaf coach Ruziqul Berdiev said: “Certainly it is a very important match for both teams as we are aiming to overcome the group stage and qualify for the round of 16. I believe that both teams are formidable. We not just need a win here but also have to hope that El Jaish beat Al Ahli - but as of now our focus is not on that game.”
Berdiev also felt that the hosts will look to make up for having failed to defend their Arabian Gulf League title.
“Al Ain will look to compensate for missing on the league title. They will look to compensate by qualifying for the last 16 and we are wary about it,” asserted Berdiev.
Elsewhere, UAE’s Al Jazira are out of contention but they can play the role of spoiler if they can beat Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor, who are eyeing qualification from Group ‘C’.
Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz have already qualified for the Round of 16 from this group.
However, Pakhtakor will be missing the services of their two key players - Azimjon Akhmedov and Javokhir Sokhibov. Al Jazira also will be without their 2015 AFC Asian Cup top scorer Ali Mabkhout. Two-time Asian Club Championship winners Al Hilal also have a chance to qualify from this group if they can secure victory from their return clash with Tractorsazi.
Team GP W D L GF GA GD PTS
El Jaish SC 5 3 1 1 6 6 0 10
Al Ain 5 2 1 2 6 6 0 7
Al Ahli 5 2 0 3 8 7 1 6
Nasaf 5 1 2 2 4 5 -1 5
