Dubai: Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu is expecting a tough contest against Iran’s Foolad Sepahan in their final Group D match of the 2014 AFC Champions League late on Tuesday.
The match kicks off at 8.20pm at Al Ahli’s Rashid Stadium.
After three matches, Al Ahli are at the top of the standings in the group along with Qatar’s Al Saad with five points each. A win and the three points will assure the Red Knights one of two places on offer to advance to the knockout stages.
“We expect a difficult game for sure, especially after we tasted the power of the Sepahan attack against us a week back,” Al Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu told the media here. “Two games in such a short period is a tough proposition and I am glad with the way my players have responded.”
Al Ahli have been one of the dominant sides domestically and are within striking range of three trophies while also having a clear chance of making it to the knockout stages of the continental clubs’ competition.
“We will try our best to win. even though it is going to be difficult time for us. We need support of the spectators especially during this tough period at the end of the season. Players find it tough to retain focus and we know what we need to do to get the three points.”
Foolad Sepahan coach Zlatko Kranjcar was confident his team was a transformed side following their 1-2 defeat at home at the hands of Al Ahli last month. “We had our chances but we did not use these,” he said. “We will definitely not be making the same mistakes that led to our defeat. I am confident my players will respond positively to the challenge of winning.”
The Croat, who has been the Iranian club’s coach since 2011, further insisted that the fight for the group is still wide open. “We need the three points and all four teams have an equal chance of progressing to the knockout stages,” he said. “We need to make use of the chances that come our way and target all three points.
“Of course, Al Ahli will be looking for a similar result, but we will be going all-out for a win.
“All four teams have an even chance of qualifying to the next stages.”