TNN/Agencies
Doha
Al Sadd will aim to continue their revival when face Jordan’s Al Faisaly in Group B of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 at the Amman International Stadium on Monday at 9pm.
A resounding 6-0 win over the Jordanian side two weeks ago saw Qatar’s Al Sadd reviving their hopes and the 2011 AFC Champions League winners will be determined to not slip up in the reverse fixture.
FC Nasaf of Uzbekistan and Sharjah FC of the UAE are the other teams in the group.
Al Sadd are currently third in the group with four points. The Wolves drew 0-0 with Sharjah, lost 1-3 to Nasaf and then beat Al Faisaly 3-1.
Sharjah are leading Group B with seven points, followed by Nasaf with six points. Debutants Al Faisaly have no point to show for their efforts so far.
The Jordanian side have found their debut season tough and need to find their best form to leave a mark on the competition.
Al Sadd are determined to progress after suffering group stage elimination in the past two editions.
Head coach Bruno Miguel affirmed Al Sadd’s readiness. Addressing the media on the eve of the match in Amman, he said, “We have tried to quickly recover the players’ fitness after the last Expo Stars League match against Al Markhiya. Our first-leg match against Al Faisaly was good for us but the return-leg match will be entirely different. Al Faisaly have a new coach and they have got more than one win in the local league.
“They also have a large and passionate fan base, and I hope it serves as motivation for both teams in tomorrow’s match.”
Regarding the team’s playing style, Bruno said, “We always play attacking but we must deal with the conditions of each match, especially the opponent’s playing style. We have come to fetch the three points and we will work in the best way to secure a victory.”
Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydos described the match as strong and challenging. “It will be a tough one for both teams and the result of the first match does not reflect the strength and form of Al Faisaly team,” he stressed.
“All Champions League matches are tough and each match has its own circumstances. It will be a different encounter with other conditions and we hope for success for Al Sadd,” he added.
He promised to provide Al Sadd fans their best, saying, “We will do our utmost to achieve victory but results are always uncertain. We have great respect for Al Faisaly and its fans too. The presence of the fans will give them a significant boost and we must use all these events positively.”
Al Sadd will be bolstered by the presence of star forward Akram Afif, who had missed the game against Al Faisaly as he was sent off during the match against FC Nasaf.
