Doha, Qatar: Al Ahli SC will aim to capitalise on home advantage today in the second leg of the AFC Champions League (ACL)Two Round of 16 against Iran’s Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC at Al Thumama Stadium.
The Qatari side heads into the match on level terms after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first leg, thanks to Erik Exposito’s stoppage-time goal.
Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Al Ahli coach Younes Ali (pictured) said: “We will play a very important and more complicated match than the first leg, and we must enter it with full focus."
"Sepahan is physically strong and technically well-organised, so it will be a difficult challenge. Our players are prepared and will give their best to secure qualification.”
Defender William Ekong added: “We realise the difficulty of the match because the opposing team is strong and organised, and winning against them requires a high degree of concentration.”
In the first leg, Al Ahli fell behind early but fought back, with Exposito’s late strike rescuing a point. Sepahan, meanwhile, will be eager to make up for letting a first-leg advantage slip in the dying moments.
