Al Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu is under no illusion about the size of the task facing his side tonight as they attempt to continue their AFC Champions League upturn.
The Red Knights crept into the knockout-stage qualification spots a fortnight ago courtesy of Everton Ribeiro’s deflected late winner at Nasaf. They are on the road again upon the resumption, a daunting trip to Group D pacesetters Al Ahli Jeddah awaiting them.
Christian Gross’ side are one of only five sides in the continent’s premier club competition yet to taste defeat and have won their last seven Saudi Professional League matches to close to within two points of leaders Al Nassr.
An upset allied with Nasaf defeating Iran’s Tractor Sazi will put the deposed Arabian Gulf League champions into the knockout stage for the first time with a fixture to spare, but Olaroiu refused to take anything for granted.
“We are going to play against the best team in the group,” said Olaroiu, who saw his side come back from behind three times in the drawn Group D opener between the clubs. “However, we are ready for the match and hopefully we can get a positive result. All the teams have a chance to advance and this is one of the reasons that our match against Al Ahli is important and tough at the same time.”
Ribeiro’s strike ended a six-match winless ACL run for the Red Knights, boosting confidence as they attempt to claim a historic opening victory on Saudi Arabian soil in the tournament. Their hopes are improved by the return of on-song UAE winger Ismail Al Hammadi and defender Salmeen Khamis from suspensions, though goalkeeper Majed Nasser is still serving a six-match ban.
Another positive for the visitors is the absence of Syrian striker Omar Al Soma. The 22-goal SPL top scorer is expected to be sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury.
Al Malaki sit three points clear of second-placed Ahli, boss Gross insisting everything is still to play for despite the fact victory will send his club through.
“It’s a tense group, all teams can qualify,” said the former Tottenham boss, “So far, we are right on track. “Omar [Al Soma] is an important player but we have other players who can score as well.”
