West Asia plays host as Iranian duo aim for the semi finals
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Last season’s beaten finalists Zob Ahan will aim to get past another Korean side in the quarters, while Al Sadd are hoping to make the most of Sepahan’s bad fortune.
goal.com – The Asian Champions League quarter-finals second legs take place this week on Tuesday and Wednesday, so here’s Goal.com’s preview of the final two games.
Wednesday (all times in Japanese Standard Time)
21:50 Zob Ahan – Suwon Bluewings
01:20 Al Sadd – Sepahan
| ZOB AHAN v SUWON BLUEWINGS |
Foolad Shahr Stadium, 17:20 local time
- The first leg in Korea was a defensive affair with the match ended 1-1 handing the Iranians the advantage ahead of their home match.
- The hosts are currently seventh in the Persian Gulf Cup. They drew 1-1 at Shahin Bushehr last Thursday in the league.
- Suwon eased past Daegu FC 2-1 in Korea’s K-League on Saturday. Bluewings are fourth in the K-League and are unbeaten in their past 10 matches in all competitions.
TEAM NEWS:
Zob Ahan
There’s few major concerns for Mansour Ebrahimzadeh side’s with Iran international Ghasem Hadadifar his only major absentee due to a hamstring injury which kept him out of the first leg.
Suwon Bluewings
In-form winger and skipper Yeom Ki-Hun (right) hit the back of the net in the weekend’s win over Daegu and he’ll be ready to lead the way. Suwon boss Yoon Seong-Hyo has a practically full-strength squad to choose from and he’s made it clear the first aim in this game is a clean sheet meaning Korea international keeper Jung Sung-Ryong and big Croatian defender Mato Neretljak have important roles to play.
| AL SADD v SEPAHAN |
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, 18:20 local time
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Sepahan won the first leg 1-0 in Isfahan, however the result was overturned to a 3-0 defeat by the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Disciplinary Committee after the Iranians were found to have fielded an ineligible player in goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi.
- Al Sadd have only recently begun their Qatar Stars League campaign, but claimed an impressive 3-1 win at Umm Salal on Saturday to bring in some good form.
- The Iranian champions, who are currently fifth in the Persian Gulf Cup, haven’t played for 10 days since the 3-0 victory over Damash Gilan which ended a two-game losing run in the league.
TEAM NEWS:
Al Sadd
Despite their fortune with the AFC’s ruling on the first leg, Al Sadd sporting director Jafal Rashed has made it clear his team needs to win on Wednesday to prove they deserve a semi-final spot. New signing Mamadou Niang (right), formerly of Marseille and Fenerbahce, grabbed a double in the league on the weekend and he’ll be a key man for the Qataris.
Sepahan
There’s a few headaches for Luka Bonacic with key midfielder Fabio Januario and Reza Nesahi battling injuries, while defender Akbar Imani is suspended after his red card in the first leg. Rahman Ahmadi, who was at the centre of the storm, is unavailable too as he’ll serve his suspension in this game. Bonacic has also elected not to take Hossein Papi and Farzad Hatami to Qatar after training ground dispute.
