ACL: Team Profiles – Group B

Al Wasl [UAE]  

The UAE league outfit qualified for the Asian Champions League [ACL] after winning a domestic double last year, where they clinched the President’s Cup and league title.

Though Al Wasl have struggled to find form this season, they remain a formidable side in this group.  

Al Wasl's players such as Khalid Darwish, Abdullah Eisa, Tariq Hassan, Majid Naser, Tariq Darwish, Eisa Ali, Ali Mahmoud, Wahid Hasan will prove a handful for any opposition. And, they will want to prove themselves against the best teams in Asia.  

Previous ACL Record: None  

Goal.com Asia Pick: 1st  

Saipa FC [Iran]  

Newly appointed Iran manager Ali Saipa guided Saipa to the Iran Pro League title last season as player/manager. And, the former Bayern Munich striker will be leading his charges through their first ACL campaign starting on Wednesday.  

“Things will change after Saipa’s matches in the ACL and after that I will concentrate only on Team Melli,” the former Iran skipper told the AFC website.  

Saipa’s maiden ACL foray is also a crucial litmus test for Daei, as fans will be eagerly waiting to see how his team fares in Asia’s biggest tournament.  

The Iran Pro League outfit, however, have enough quality to take on the teams in the group. However, they will face a close battle with Al Wasl for the top spot in Group B.  

Previous ACL Record: None  

Goal.com Asia Pick: 2nd  

Al Kuwait [Kuwait]  

Al Kuwait are the juggernauts in their domestic league, having won the title nine times. When competing in the ACL, however, they find themselves out of depth against the other club sides in the continental championship.  

Their foray in 2005 started badly with two consecutive defeats while in 2007 they picked up only two points after suffering two losses.  

Al Kuwait are hoping they will be able to replicate their recent Crown Prince Cup victory success in the ACL as well.  

Previous ACL Record:

2007 – Group stage

2006 – Did not qualify

2005 – Group stage  

Goal.com Asia pick: 3rd  

Al Quwa Al Jawiya [Iraq]  

The Iraqi side has twice featured in the ACL in 2004 and 2006. Their record, however, were dismal as they clinched only three wins out of the 10 matches played during two appearances in the tournament.  

If there’s anything to go by, Al Quwa Al Jawiya’s league form back home in Iraq has been impressive. Still, they might find it tough to qualify from a difficult group.  

Previous ACL Record:

2006 – Group stage

2004 – Group stage  

Goal.com Asia Pick: 4th

Joel Morrison