Al Ahli in must-win situation

Gulf News - Al Ahli meet Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor today in the Asian Champions league pre-quarterfinals at the Rashid stadium in Al Ahli Club.

Kick off is at 9pm and entrance will be free for the spectators as announced by Al Ahli assistant general secretary Mohammed Mattar.

Pakhtakor won the first leg match in Tashkant (3-2) and today sees a must win situation for Al Ahli, at least 1-0 or 2-1, to qualify for the quarterfinals. If Al Ahli win 3-2 the two teams play extra time and a penalty shoot out will decide who will qualify.

"It will be a tough clash although we play at home. The match is 50-50 for both teams and we will play to win because we have no other alternative after losing the first leg," said Juricic Srecko, the Al Ahli coach, after the team's training session at Rashid stadium on Monday night.

Srecko said Pakhtakor were strong and it will not be easy to beat them. "They showed in the first leg that they are strong in defence and attack. I think they will depend on counter-attacks."

Srecko said three of the Ahli players will be absent through suspension and injuries. "Mohammed Qassim, Ahmed Shah and Mohammed Juma will be absent today, we hope the other boys will spare no effort in defending Ahli colours."

The Croatian coach claimed that Al Ahli's last defeat in the league from Al Shaab came at the right time before meeting Pakhtakor. "It was like an alarm which came at the right time before the Asian Champions league match today."

Srecko will play without strong libero Mohammed Qassim, who will be absent today due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards in previous Asian matches which led to a one-match ban.

The Al Ahli board made a quick move and signed up Kuwaiti defender Jamal Mubarak to play in today's crucial match as a libero in place of Qassim.

The experienced Kuwaiti defender arrived on Monday and participated in two training sessions with Ahli at Rashid stadium.

"I am optimistic with the signing of Jamal Mubarak. He will strengthen our backline. Also I am happy with the signing of the Iranian striker Jawad Qazimyan to add more power to our striking force along with his compatriot Ali Karimi," said Srecko.

On the other hand, the Pakhtakor coach Victor said that they came to win today's match. "We came to Dubai to win and we are confident that we will get a good result to help us qualify for the quarterfinals."

The Pakhtakor coach said that they would not play defensively. "We will play attacking football and we will not rely on defence for a draw which is enough for us to reach the quarters."

Kasimov, the Uzbekistan national midfielder and Pakhtakor skipper, will play today after being sidelined in the first leg at Tashkant due to injury.

Kasimov played last season with Dubai's Al Shabab, but he didn't put up a good performance and was released by the club.