ACL: Profile And Preview – Group A

Sepahan FC [Iran]  

The Iran Pro League outfit are no strangers to the Asian Champions League, having finished runners-up in the 2007 Asian Champions League.

Sepahan were defeated 2-0 by J-League side Urawa Reds last November. Despite the loss, the Iranians exceeded expectations with their best finish since qualifying for the ACL in 2004.  

While talismanic coach Luka Bonacic has departed from Sepahan, the management has employed former Iran coach Jorvan Vieira to take charge of the side.

Having made his name with Iraq’s triumph in the Asian Cup last July, the Brazilian will be looking to add another trophy to his collection. The three-time Hazfi Cup champions have the winning pedigree to qualify Group A.  

With a talented squad at his disposal, Vieira will be looking forward to the challenge with Sepahan making their fourth appearance in the ACL.  

Previous ACL Record:  

2007 – Runners-up

2006 – Did Not Qualify

2005 – Group Stage

2004 – Group Stage

2003 – Did Not Qualify  

Goal.com Asia pick: 1st  

PFC Kuruvchi [Uzbekistan]

PFC Kuruvchi will be making their first-ever appearance in the Asian Champions League, after finishing runners-up in the Oliy Liga last year.

Though little is known about the Tashkent-based side, the other teams in the group should not underestimate them. Goalkeeper Pavel Bugalo will be a key player for the side. Kuruvchi will rely largely on his experience, having turned for the likes Pakhtakor and Russian side FC Alania Vladikavkaz. The defence will be ably marshaled by Sergey Lushan and Bakhtiyor Ashurmatov.

Previous ACL Record: None

Goal.com Asia pick: 3rd

Al Ittihad [Saudi Arabia]

When it comes to Asian Champions League, the fans will remember clearly how the Saudi League outfit managed to capture the ACL title in 2004.

Al Ittihad then defeated K-League side Seongnam 6-3 on aggregate.

Their victory, however, will always be a favourite for the Al Itihad faith and trivia hunters alike. Al Ittihad entertained Seongnam in the first leg at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium – only for the fans to witness their team crashed 3-1 to the Korean side.

Dennis Laktionov, Kim Do-hoon and Jang Hak-young netted for Seongnam while Redhar Tukar pulled a goal back for Al Ittihad. Despite the defeat, the Al Ittihad players rallied together for the second leg in Korea.

And they produced their most memorable performance in the ACL, hammering Seongnam 5-0 to snatch the title out of their grasp.

If winning the 2004 ACL trophy wasn’t enough, the defending champions retained their title for a second consecutive year in 2005 by beating Al Ain 4-2 on aggregate.

With their current superb league form, Al Ittihad will be a difficult team to stop.

Previous ACL Record:  

2007 – Did Not Qualfiy

2006 – Did Not Qualify

2005 – Winners 2004 – Winners

2003 – Did Not Qualify  

Goal.com Asia pick: 2nd

Al Ittihad [Syria]

Though Al Ittihad dominates the Syrian League, the club has always struggled in the ACL.

After qualifying for the 2006 edition by winning the Syrian double in 2005, they managed to finish third behind semi-finalists Al Qadisiya. However, Al Ittihad managed a 2-1 win over Uzbek side Pakhtakor.

Al Ittihad booked their place in the 2007 edition by beating Teshrine 3-0 in the Syrian Cup final – only to finish last place in their group.

Grouped together with Iran giants Sepahan  and Saudi side Al Ittihad, the onus is on Al Ittihad to avoid finishing bottom of the group.

Previous ACL Record:

2007 – Group Stage

2006 – Group Stage

2005 – Did Not Qualify

2004 – Did Not Qualify

2003 – Third Qualifying Round [lost to Al Arabi (Kuwait) 5-1 on aggregate]

Goal.com Asia pick: 4th  

Joel Morrison