Wahda warnings from Ebrahimzadeh

AFC – DUBAI, Zob Ahan will be looking to cement their place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League on Wednesday against an Al Wahda side without a win in Group B but coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh has warned his players against succumbing to complacency.

The Iranians top the standings after three wins and a draw in the tournament so far and will be looking to take all three points from their UAE opponents, who are set to hand starts to a number of youngsters with their own chances of qualification over.

Al Wahda are bottom of the standings having lost all four games and have nothing but pride to play for in their remaining two fixtures.

“This is the most important match for us because after this we take on Al Ittihad in the last game and we are not sure what the status of the group will be then,” said Ebrahimzadeh (pictured).

“It is very important that we win tomorrow.”

Ebrahimzadeh also believes the fact Al Wahda will rest some of their first-team regulars will not make the game any easier and instead expects those who come into the side will be eager to make an impression.

‘We know Al Wahda will play their reserves but this makes it even trickier,” he added.

“The regular players will not be motivated to perform when they know their team has no future in the ACL but it is totally different with the reserve players.

“They will go all out to impress when they get a chance to play. Also Al Wahda will not be playing under any pressure so it will not be an easy game.”

Al Wahda coach Josef Hickersberger confirmed he will rest players that are carrying minor injuries but is adamant his side will not roll over and give Zob Ahan the win.

“We will play our best and if Zob Ahan are good enough they can beat us,” said the Austrian.

“We have a few players whom we have not tried so we will be playing them.”

One player who will likely feature, though, is star striker Fernando Baiano with the Brazilian available after serving a three-match ban.

Haider Alo Ali, Mahmoud Khamis and Talal Abdullah are also all back from suspension.