Mobali: Collective spirit key for Naft

AFC – TEHRAN, Playmaker Iman Mobali believes Naft Tehran’s unity and shared determination have been key in propelling the Iranian debutants into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League ahead of next week’s first leg against Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

Having qualified as third place finishers in the Persian Gulf Pro League, Naft reached the last eight having started their campaign in the play-offs before beating Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli in the last 16 on away goals after finishing second in Group B.

And with Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia having lifted last year’s title in their first appearance in the AFC Champions League, Naft will look to make a positive start to their tie with Al Ahli at the Azadi Stadium next Wednesday.

“It is considered a big success for Naft Tehran to seal a berth among the last eight of the tournament, particularly in our maiden appearance,” said former Foolad Khouzestan and Esteghlal midfielder Mobali (pictured), who joined Naft last summer after a spell with Esteghlal Khouzestan.

“I believe the most influential factor contributing to our success is unity among all players and the aspiration shared between everyone to achieve the same goal.

“When a small club like us makes it all the way through to the quarters, it means our young lads have been very determined to make history.”

Naft have lost Brazilian defender Leandro Padovani and Iran internationals Gholamreza Rezaei and Hossein Ebrahimi having agonisingly missed out on a maiden Iran league title last season, although experienced defender Jalal Hosseini as well as Brazilian Carlos Santos and Cameroonian striker Aloys Nong have boosted the squad available to coach Alireza Mansourian.

Quarter-final opponents Al Ahli, who saw off compatriots and inaugural AFC Champions League winners Al Ain in a thrilling last 16 tie at the end of May to earn a first appearance in the last eight following five successive group stage eliminations, have also added to their squad ahead of the tie following the arrival of Brazilian striker Rodrigo Lima from Porto.

“The new additions who joined us during the summer transfer are very good players. We have recruited some very experienced players who we will rely on hugely for success in the AFC Champions League,” said 32-year-old Mobali, who helped Iran claim a third place finish at the 2004 AFC Asian Cup before also featuring for Team Melli at the continental championships in 2007 and 2011.

“The first few weeks of Iran’s league serves as a platform where new recruits get to adapt more with the team and find more rhythm. These few matches will help us gear up for the Al Ahli match.”

Following the first leg in Iran, Naft will travel to Dubai for the return fixture on September 16 having lost 3-0 to Al Ain during the group stage.

Naft also lost the second leg of their last 16 tie in Saudi Arabia, but Mansourian’s side are unbeaten in five games at home in the AFC Champions League.

“I’ve had stints with three UAE clubs, Al Shabab, Al Wasl, and Al Nassr, and I have played numerous times against Al Ahli,” added Mobali, who helped Al Shabab to the 2008 domestic title.

“I know their style of play, but it may slightly differ from last season after recruiting new players. I believe our coaches have the know-how to play against them, and when we lock horns with the Emiratis, we are committed to pave the way for our qualification.

“When you play league format at home, you have the chance to make up for last week’s errors in the next match. In the AFC Champions League there’s barely any room for errors. Once you make a mistake, you may be out of the tournament.”

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, who reached the final last year, or Qatari champions Lekhwiya await the winner in the semi-finals, with the pair kicking off their last-eight tie in Riyadh on Tuesday.