Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Irbid: Jordan’s Al Jazeera are boosted by the return of Syrian defender Jehad Al Baour from suspension for Wednesday’s meeting with inaugural winners Al Jaish in the last 16 of the AFC Cup.
AFC Cup debutants Al Jazeera earned a place in the Round of 16 after claiming a second place finish in Group B behind Iraq’s Al Shorta.
And with Issa Al Turk’s side out to continue their so far successful debut continental campaign at Prince Hasan Stadium, Al Jazeera welcome back Al Baour (pictured) after the defender missed the 4-0 defeat by Al Shorta earlier this month due to suspension.
“We go into this match with big determination as the most important thing in the Round of 16 is to win the match,” said Al Jazeera coach Al Turk after seeing his side post two wins and three draws during the group stage.
“This is our debut in the competition and hopefully we can continue our good performances.
“We want to go as far as we can in the competition and qualifying to the quarter-finals will be an excellent finish to the long season.
“We have prepared the team well for this encounter and hopefully it will be an exciting match.”
Al Jaish, meanwhile, secured their return to the knockout stage for the first time since winning the first-ever AFC Cup title in 2004 by winning Group D with an unbeaten record ahead of three-time winners Kuwait SC.
“We have started now the serious phase of the competition as there is no chance to make a comeback in the Round of 16 which is only one match. Therefore we should give our best in the match and go with full concentration,” said Al Jaish coach Anas Makhlouf.
“We will give our best against Al Jazeera who have good capabilities. We have watched several matches of our opponents and have studied them well and hopefully we can win the match and advance to the quarter-finals.”
Photo: WSG