Mahdi Ali: Shabab Al Ahli can use Champions League momentum to achieve domestic success

Dubai club the only UAE representatives in the knockout stages and after a busy schedule, are back in Pro League action this weekend followed by the Pro League Cup final

Shabab Al Ahli finished the Asian Champions League group stage undefeated with two wins and four draws. AFP

Shabab Al Ahli manager Mahdi Ali believes his team can use their successful Asian Champions League campaign as a platform to finish the domestic season as strong as possible.

The Dubai club will be the UAE's only representatives in the Champions League knockout stages after qualifying from Group C as one of the best three runners-up in the West section of the tournament.

After starting the group stage with three straight draws, Shabab Al Ahli registered the biggest win of this season's competition by thrashing Al Gharafa of Qatar 8-2. Following a 2-1 win over Ahal, Shabab Al Ahli concluded with a 1-1 draw against Iran's Foolad, who advanced as group winners.

For the first time in the Asian Champions League, Shabab Al Ahli finished undefeated, with two wins and four draws, and they next face defending champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the last-16 in February.

Having played six matches across three weeks, Shabab Al Ahli return to domestic duties on Saturday for a meeting with Adnoc Pro League leaders Al Ain followed by the Pro League Cup final against the same opponents on May 4.

“Qualifying for the knockout stage in the Asian Champions League is a good thing for the team, and the players must be well prepared for the next stage because what has been achieved will give the players more confidence in the future,” Mahdi Ali said.

“Now we have to prepare for a match on April 30, and then the Cup final on May 4, so some players must rest, because playing seven or eight matches in a month is difficult.

“We have tired and injured players to deal with for the two upcoming domestic fixtures. We plan to rotate some players and try to get them in good shape as quickly as possible.

“However, I believe their excellent performances in the Asian Champions League would have given them the massive confidence booster going into the two matches.”

Sharjah, meanwhile, went down 2-0 to Istiklol of Tajikistan in their final group phase game in Riyadh on Wednesday, finishing on five points in third place behind Hilal and Al Rayyan of Qatar.