ACL RD16 2nd Leg: Al Ahli (UAE) preview

After four previous group stage exits, Group D runners-up Al Ahli made their first appearance in the Round of 16 courtesy of a pair of late headers from captain Ahmed Khalil to secure a 3-2 win over Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz at the end of the group stage. 

But despite Olaroiu’s side being on top for much of the opening quarter of last week’s first leg between the domestic rivals in Dubai, from then on the teams cancelled each other out in a game that grew increasingly scrappy, although Isamail Al Hammadi did strike the Al Ain crossbar with 16 minutes remaining. 

“Al Ain will be playing their last match this season and they will be hoping to have a good conclusion to their season. However, we are ready for the match and we have great determination in order to win,” said Al Ahli’s Romanian coach Olaroiu (pictured). 

“If we want to advance to the next round we will need to score and hopefully we can then go on to win the match.” 

Al Ahli have met inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain three times in domestic action this season so far, with both teams winning one. 

And Olaroiu’s side prepared for the return meeting in Al Ain with a 5-3 extra-time win against Dubai last Saturday to progress to the semi-finals of the UAE President’s Cup, while Al Ain lost to Al Nasr. 

“All the matches are important for us and we are approaching each match separately,” added Olaroiu. 

“The two teams are strong and hopefully the physical status of the players will not affect them to have a good performance. 

“We have faced some difficult times this season, but at the moment, all the players are giving their best and hopefully we can continue our run in the competition.” 

Olaroiu, though, will again be without goalkeeper Majed Naser due to suspension.

Photo: WSG