Habib Fardan backs Al Ahli to make most of away goals to reach Champions League last-eight

Al Ain's Ismail Ahmed, left, and Al Ahli's Ahmed Khalil tussle for the ball during the first leg of the Asian Champions League last-16 tie. Pawan Singh / The National

DUBAI // Habib Fardan, Al Ahli’s UAE midfielder, said Wednesday’s 0-0 home draw against Al Ain in the first leg of their Asian Champions League last-16 tie was a positive result for his side.

Ahli largely dominated the first leg, but they could not break down Al Ain’s stubborn defence and must now score in Al Ain to progress to the next round.

“Missing many chances is something normal. However, we think this is a positive result for us after leaving the pitch,” said Fardan, 25.

“It has sunk in with us to feel that we can do it (win) in the second leg.”

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Fardan said preventing Al Ain from scoring was key in the first leg, because even a draw next week will put Ahli in the quarter-final via the away goals rule.

“If we score in the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, it will be hard for Al Ain’s team because one goal is considered two goals (with the away goals rule),” he said.

“To be honest, both teams will be under a lot of pressure in this game. The second leg will determine who is the winner.”

Fardan moved to Ahli from Al Nasr in 2014, and although he has not started as regularly as he would like, he says the team’s results overshadow any personal ambition.

“It is far more important for my team to win, instead of me being in the starting line-up,” he said.

The club’s next game is away against Dubai club in the President’s Cup on Saturday before they travel to Al Ain for the second leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday.

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