Keen tussle on cards in Asian Champions League

Gulf News - Al Ain, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Al Estighlal from Iran have tough task on hand in this evening's last round of the Asian Champions League (group C) at Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Stadium.

Al Saad of Qatar, the fourth team in the group, who face the Saudis in the opening game are out of contention after losing to leaders Al Ain in the second round.

In the second match Al Ain will battle it out with their formidable rivals Al Estighlal. The hosts have collected six points after beating Al Hilal and Al Sad 1-0 and 2-0 in the last two rounds. Their goalkeeper Waleed Salim has maintained a clean slate so far in this tournament.

Al Estighlal have three points from two matches. They outclassed Al Saad 3-2 in the opener, but lost their next match 2-3 to Al Hilal.

All four teams have concluded their preparations successfully when they conducted their last training session at Al Ain Club grounds. Al Estighlal need to win by a two-goal difference, but that depends on the result of Al Hilal-Al Saad match. A draw would suffice the hosts to proceed to the semifinals, due to kick off in April.

Al Ain will be without the services of their African pro Candia Trawri due to injury he sustained in the game against Al Saad last Wednesday. X-ray results showed a severe injury to the muscle and needs more than two weeks to heal.

Al Ain's coach Bruno Metsu said his team was packed with excellent players who could fill the void created by Trawri's absence. Metsu assured that the replacement, Mohammed Omer, is capable to playing an effective role with Abu Bakr Sanogo.

"I will focus my attention on winning the three points. We will not play for draw even though it is enough to realise our dreams. My boys should continue their brilliant display.

The French coach hailed the strong frontline of Al Estighlal, who had the most dangerous strikers in their ranks. Metsu admitted he would look to score an early goal, but felt that it depends on the tactics adopted by the Iranians.

Al Estighlal are led by goalkeeper Sayed Tabatabaei, Rasoul Khatibi, Ali Riza, Ali Samereh and their veteran midfielder Sirous Din Mohammed. Al Ain will start the game with the same line up which includes Waleed Salim as goalie, Abdullah Ali, Juwaa Khatir, Fahd Ali and Salim Jawhar in defence. Faisal Ali, Ghareb Hareb, Sultan Rashid and Subait Khatir play in the midfield and Abu Bakr Sanogo along with Mohammed Omer.