Doha: Qatari clubs El Jaish and Lekhwiya are a win away from booking a place in the semi-finals of the 17th Asian Clubs’ League Championship at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Sports Hall.
Defending champions El Jiash, who have won both the matches, need a win against Ahli Sidab Club of Oman in the Group B match.
In the last game today, Ahli Sidab Club will meet Doha’s El Jaish Sports Club. El Jaish, not only title defenders of the tournament but also clear group leaders after strong performances in both their victorious games enter this match as favourites against the Omani team that has not won a single game so far. With a victory El Jaish would have secured their semi-final spot.
The other local club Lekhwiya, the sole leader in Group A, can book a place in the last four stage if they can get full points in their third group match against Al Qurain Sporting Club of Kuwait.
After a day’s rest, action resumes with four group stage matches on the fourth match day of the continental championship. The semi-finalists will be spotted today and tomorrow in the remaining two last match days of the Preliminary Round.
The first match of the day, is the Group A clash between Doha’s Al Gharafa with Iranian Samenalhojaj at 1pm.
After losing their first two games, the Iranians are in with a slim chance to advance to the semi-finals. The local side are still in the race, but need a victory to hold off their competitors Al Qurain.
Al Qurain Sporting Club from Kuwait take on Lekhwiya at 5pm in the second Group A match. A victory for Lekhwiya will secure a semi spot for the Qatari side, a draw or Al Qurain victory would lead to a dramatic group finale on the last day of the Preliminary Round.
Another team which can book a last four place today is Al Kuwait Club.
The Kuwaiti have good cards in the race for a semi-final place as they take on Manyazium Ferdows Club from Iran at 3pm in Group B. THE PENINSULA
