Al Ahli bring to a close their campaign at home against Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv, and Al Jazira take on Khouzestan at Ahwaz in south-west Iran on Tuesday.
Group decider
Ahli top Group A, ahead of Iran’s Esteghlal courtesy of their superior head-to-head record. A draw would be enough to take Ahli through, although all four teams in the pool can still make the last 16.
Avoiding compatriots
Should Ahli finish runners-up, they face domestic rivals Al Ain in the next round. Should Ahli avenge February’s 2-0 defeat at Lokomotiv, they will next meet Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. Cosmin Olaroiu’s men are unbeaten in their past 13 Champions League home matches.
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Lacking firepower
Ahli are without suspended striker Makhete Diop, while fellow forward Ahmed Khalil is struggling for fitness. With Khalil out, goalkeeper Majed Naser is likely to captain Ahli.
Final push
“We have arrived at the stage where the last game is necessary to qualify,” Olaroiu said. “We are not in the best situation that we can be, but I hope and trust the players to make one more effort, be concentrated and focused to reach our target to qualify.”
Jazira play out the string
Already eliminated, Al Jazira will complete their ACL campaign when they meet Khouzestan at Ghadir Stadium in Ahwaz, in Southwest Iran, a critical match for the Iranian side to earn a passage to the round of 16 on their debut in Asia’s most prestigious club competition.
Players await such moments
Pieter Hamberg, assistant to Jazira manager Henk ten Cate, who did not attend the pre-match news conference due to illness, said they travelled with a few absentees, including the domestic league’s top scorer Ali Mabkhout. “But we are serious of this game,” Hamberg said. “These players are waiting for such opportunities and I’m sure they will give their best.”
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