Al Ahli aim to reignite ACL ambition

AFC – DUBAI, Al Ahli coach Nooreddine Al Obaidy is adamant his side are not just playing for pride when they face Iranians Mes at Al Rashid Stadium on Tuesday looking to secure their first win of the AFC Champions League.

The UAE side is bottom of Group D having managed to register just a single point from four games and are five points behind Mes.

A defeat for Al Ahli will end their slim hopes of claiming a top two finish and with it a place in the last 16 of the tournament, but Al Obaidy is refusing to throw in the towel just yet.

“We are playing to qualify and also to bring joy to our fans,” said the Tunisian.

“If we have even one per cent chance to qualify, we will play for it.”

Al Obaidy has received a welcome boost with the return of Bare after the Brazilian missed Al Ahli’s last three matches in the tournament through injury.

Bare will take his place on the bench for the game while Al Obaidy is hopeful Iran international Mehrzad Madanchi (pictured in action against Mes in Kerman) can step up to the plate against his compatriots.

“Madanchi is a good forward and has done what is expected of him since he joined Al Ahli,” he added.

“I’m hoping he will play more than what I need from him tomorrow.”

Mes coach Luka Bonacic knows Al Ahli will be fighting tooth and nail to secure the victory but the Croat stressed his side will also be battling for the three points that will keep them in contention for a top two finish.

“We know Al Ahli have a slim chance of qualifying and they want to show their fans what they are worth,” he said.

“We know that if we win, we stand a better chance of qualifying.

“We cannot take Al Ahli lightly because they have eight national team players from UAE, Brazil and Egypt. We cannot take them for granted.

“They show two sides to their game. In home matches they are completely different but when they play away, they are like mice. I don’t know whether it is because of lack of experience or exposure.”

Bonacic will be without midfielder Ghasem Dehnavi, who is serving a one-match suspension for picking up two yellow cards.