Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ahvaz: Psychology is crucial for Al Sadd head coach Hussain Amotta as he prepares his side for Wednesday night’s second leg against Iranian champions Foolad Khouzestan in the AFC Champions League round of 16.
Last week's first leg finished goalless in Doha, leaving the tie delicately balanced. In Al Sadd's favour, however, is that a score draw for the 2011 winners at Ahvaz’s Ghadir Stadium will see them through to the quarter-finals on away goals.
Should they emerge victorious in Iran, the Qatari side can continue to dream of replicating their historic 2011 triumph, when they became the first side to win the continental title having begun in the play-offs before edging out former champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of Korea Republic in the final.
A key factor they will need to overcome first, though, is Khouzestan’s passionate support which has led them to a 100% record at home this campaign so far.
“It’s going to be a crucial and very stressful match for both sides. Both teams are looking for a golden result,” said coach Amotta.
“We are well aware that Foolad are a very strong side and their vocal supporters are an advantage for them when they’re playing on home soil. I can’t really make any predictions about how the game will go or what the result will be.
“The final result is very much dependant on how much we can control the game from the beginning and how we can manage it all the way until the end of the game.”
Moreover, Amotta points out, his defence will need to be at their most vigilant to keep out their hosts’ powerful attack which includes Brazilian forward Chimba who has already tallied four goals in the tournament so far.
“Foolad’s strikers are physically very powerful, unlike ours. Tomorrow we are planning to field Yousef Ahmed up front, who will play a key role in our attack. I’m trying to keep the players mentally prepared and keep them highly motivated to play against a team who usually take the upper hand against any opponent when they play at home,” said Amotta.
Al Sadd also have some injury concerns including doubts on key midfielder Rodrigo Tabata. The Brazilian playmaker’s readiness for the match is yet to be confirmed by Al Sadd's medical team.