ACL MD6 – Group C: Al Ahli (KSA) vs. Zob Ahan [PREVIEW]

AFC – DOHA, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli need just a point against Zobahan to advance to the AFC Champions League knockout round on Monday, but defeat at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium would see the Iranian side join Al Ain as the qualifiers from Group C.

Al Ahli could have advanced to the last 16 two weeks ago but suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Bunyodkor to leave them sweating on their place in the next phase, although the Saudi team will go into the clash with confidence having seen off Monday’s opponents 2-1 earlier in the campaign.

Zobahan were in a similar position on Matchday Five as a win would have seen them progress to the next round; however, a 3-0 home reversal to Al Ain now leaves them needing three points to successfully navigate the Group Stage.

Since their respective defeats, Al Ahli have won two in a row in the Saudi Professional League, while Zobahan have drawn one and won one domestically as both sides enter the clash in good form.