Al Duhail players participated in a training session yesterday in preparation for a crucial match against Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, set to take place today at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The team is eager to make a significant impact in the AFC Champions League (ACL), especially after their recent performance, which saw them secure their first victory of the season. In a striking display, they triumphed over Shabab Al Ahli with a score of 4-1, positioning themselves seventh in their group with four points. A win against Al Ittihad could elevate them above their opponents in the standings and revitalize their chances of advancing to the Round of 16.
Head coach Djamel Belmadi emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, describing it as “of great importance” for the team. He expressed confidence that Al Duhail has already moved past a recent setback in the Qatar Stars League, wherein they faced defeat against Al Ahli. “Our focus now is on the Asian Champions League,” Belmadi stated during a pre-match press conference. He acknowledged the quality of Al Ittihad and stressed the need for maximum effort to secure a positive result.
On the other hand, Al Ittihad arrives in Doha with heightened confidence, boasting back-to-back victories, including a decisive win over Sharjah. After struggling to find the back of the net in their opening two group matches with only one goal, the Saudi team has come alive offensively, netting seven goals in their last two games. Coach Sergio Conceicao remarked that despite sitting sixth in the group, his side is not under pressure; rather, they remain sharp in their focus to improve their standings.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, Al Gharafa aims to rekindle their form as they take on Shabab Al Ahli in a matchup that features two teams eager for a resurgence. Shabab Al Ahli recently suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Al Duhail, while Al Gharafa faced a setback against group leaders Al Hilal. Despite showing promise in their domestic league, Al Gharafa has struggled to replicate that success on the continental stage, managing only a 2-0 win against Al Shorta and suffering five losses in their last six away matches in the ACL.
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Today’s clash at Rashid Stadium presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Al Gharafa as they seek to recover their footing in the tournament. On the flip side, Shabab Al Ahli will draw motivation from their unbeaten record in their previous two encounters against Al Gharafa. A home victory would not only restore their momentum but also keep them firmly in the running for a top-eight finish in the competition.
