The 2011 AFC Champions League winners Al Sadd return to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2015 when they welcome Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli to Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha today.
Sadd advanced to the knockout rounds with little fuss by winning four of their first five games in Group C, but failed to claim top spot after defeat to Persepolis on Matchday Six. Sadd have been in superb form at home, though, where they won all three of their group matches.
Jesualdo Ferreira’s side progressed to the semi-finals of Amir Cup with a 4-0 victory over Al Khor on Thursday to ensure they go into the clash with Al Ahli on form, although they are without the suspended defender Pedro Correia after his booking in the final group match ruled him out of the first leg.
Ali Asad and Jugurtha Hamroun will also be missing in action due to injuries. Hamroun is recovering from a knee problem, while Ali is nursing a muscle cramp.
Striker Baghdad Bounedjah has been one of the form players on the continent and leads the scoring charts with seven goals. Algerian Bounedjah and Spanish midfield star Xavi Hernandez, who both missed the match against Al Khor due to suspension for dissent during their Qatar Cup final loss to Al Duhail recently, will be back in action.
Quarter-finalists last year, Al Ahli were unbeaten in Group A, winning four from six to finish on top of the standings to qualify for the knockout rounds for the fifth time in seven years.
The 2012 runners-up will be looking to make up for the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the Saudi Pro League title to Al Hilal in mid-April by producing a strong run on the continent. They will, however, be without the suspended Salman Muwashar for the match with Al Sadd. The teams meet in the competition for a third time.
Speaking ahead of the match yesterday, Ferreira expected a tough duel against Al Ahli. “We are delighted to be at this stage of the competition. Al Ahli is on a similar level to Al Sadd and that is why this match is going to be a strong one. We will seek to win at home to increase our chances of qualifying for the next round,” he said.
“It’s one of the most important games of the season for us. We hope to score and not concede before we play the return leg in Saudi next week,” the Portuguese added.
Ferreira was not concerned over the absence of Correia, Asad and Hamroun. “I do not think it will affect us a lot. We have a huge squad and there are players to fill in for the injured.”
Al Sadd’s full-back Hamid Ismail said: “Both teams are known to be strong and have a long history. We know the importance of this match which is being played at our home. We will look to win it before going (to Jeddah) there to play at their ground. We hope we can get a satisfactory result. I think Al Sadd are capable of doing it, considering how prepared we are.”
“We are focusing on giving everything we have towards this clash. We hope we can win it and give happiness to the fans who will come to support us.”
Duhail in action tomorrow
Tomorrow, QNB Stars League champions Al Duhail will square off against UAE’s Al Ain at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain in what promises to be one of the most intriguing match-ups in the Round of 16. The two sides were unbeaten in group stage.
Duhail were arguably the most impressive team of the group stage as the Qatari side won all six of their Group B games to storm into the last 16.
Duhail players trained in Doha yesterday before leaving for Al Ain in the evening.
Al Ain drew their first four Group D games but then won their final two as they produced when it mattered once more to return to the knockout rounds.
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira (right) speaks at a press conference as player Abdul Karim Hassan looks on on the eve of the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli yesterday. PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed
