The AFC Champions League gets underway again on Monday with Qatar hosting the West region Group Stage under strict health regulations to protect players and officials from the Covid-19 pandemic. With strict measures put in place by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as well as the Qatar Government, the AFC Champions League will welcome the return of Asia’s top clubs including title holders Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, after more than six months of waiting.
In what promises to be a thrilling contest, Rizvan Lucescu’s side take on Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha at 9pm as both teams set their sights on extending their unbeaten run in Group B.
In the same group, 2015 AFC Champions League runners-up Shahab Al Ahli Dubai face this year’s debutants Shahr Khodro FC from the Islamic Republic of Iran, who recently appointed former Iranian national goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati as the new head coach.
At the Khalifa International Stadium, Group A joint leaders Al Ahli Saudi FC take on Al Shorta of Iraq, who will be eyeing an upset to keep alive their hopes of securing a place in the Knockout Stage.
On Tuesday, home side Al Duhail SC and Sharjah from the UAE face-off at 6pm Doha time while 2018 runners-up Persepolis FC, who clinched their fourth consecutive Iran Pro League title in July, will be looking to carry their domestic form on the Continental stage when they face Group C leaders Al Taawoun FC from Saudi Arabia at 9pm.
Both matches will be played at the Education City Stadium in Doha.
Meanwhile in Group D, Al Ain FC will play against two-time AFC Champions League winners Al Sadd SC of Qatar, who recently bolstered their ranks with the signing of former Spain and Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Later in the day, 2007 runners-up Sepahan FC from IR Iran are also in action against 2020 Saudi Pro League runners-up Al Nassr at the same venue. To ensure the safety of everyone involved in the AFC Champions League, players and officials were required to undergo Covid-19 testing before their departure from their respective countries and again upon their arrival in Qatar while subsequent tests will be conducted every three to six days. All players and officials will also be put under a ‘medical bubble’ which limits their movement only to the hotel, stadium and training sites.
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, thanked the Qatar Football Association for their willingness to host the return of the AFC Champions League in the West region. At the AFC Executive meeting, held online, the AFC President congratulated everyone involved in the hard work that has been required to ensure that the AFC Champions League Group Stage West region and knockout rounds can go ahead safely.
Sadd begin preparations
for Al Ain clash
Al Sadd launched their preparations for the AFC Champions League clash against Al Ain with a training session on Thursday evening at Aspire Academy. This came after a day of rest on Wednesday, which followed two huge five-goal victories over Al Kharaitiyat and Al Sailiya that kept the team on the top of the QNB Stars League table.
The team is now preparing for clash against Al Ain, which is set to be played on Tuesday, September 15 at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium. Sadd currently occupy first place in the group with four points, after a 2-2 draw with Al-Nassr and 3-0 win over Sepahan.
During Thursday’s session, the coaching staff focused on tactical aspects, with all the players in high spirits ahead of the continental challenge. Meanwhile, Akram Afif continued to work on his recuperation under the supervision of the club’s medical staff, aiming to recover fully and rejoin the team for routine group training. Akram had missed the last game against Sailiya after he felt some pain.
Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez with his players during a training session.
