National pride fuelling Al Ahli’s AFC Champions League dreams

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  • Halfway there: Al Ahli.

    Al Ahli will be carrying the hopes of a nation when they bid to make the AFC Champions League semi-finals at Naft Tehran’s expense, according to boss Cosmin Olaroiu.

    The Red Knights hold a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Iran, earned by an excellent header from predatory new striker Lima. 

    Partisan ties have been cast aside across the UAE, the country coming out in force to cheer Ahli on as they look to continue their club-first run into the knockout stages. Coach Cosmin Olaroiu urged his troops to not waste all this good will at Ras-hid Stadium.

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    He said: “We have 90 minutes ahead of us. We only look at this game, we do not think ahead.

    “We have 90 minutes to make something very big for the country and the club. I hope the players will understand they have the responsibility of a million people and the hearts of a million people and they will play in this way.”

    Ahli have already seen off rivals Al Ain on their way to the meeting against Naft, who finished third in the 2014/15 Persian Gulf Pro League. But the Black Cats have endured an awful domestic start to this campaign, currently sitting second bottom after recording three defeats and one draw.

    This is in stark contrast to the hosts, who began the Arabian Gulf League with an 8-1 thrashing of 
    Fujairah.

    Alireza Mansourian’s men will need to score in Dubai to stand any chance of progression against opponents who hold a valuable away goal, Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal awaiting the victors in the last four.

    “We should not think about the result of the first game – it is a new game,” Olaroiu said. “Naft showed in the first game they are a strong team, with experienced players.

    “We have to take into consideration we start from 0-0. We have to play to win this game.

    “For me, 1-0 is a difficult result. If we think only to defend our advantage, it is not the best idea.

    “I hope we find the right motivation and determination to keep our concetration levels from the first game. We didn’t concede many things then.

    “This is most important for this kind of game. I hope I have the squad to advance.

    “It will not be easy, I expect it will be more difficult than the first game. I am sure everyone will give their all to qualify for the next round.”

    Ahli welcome back controversial goalkeeper Majed Nasser after his six-match ACL suspension ended. 

    The only player to miss out through injury is long-term absentee Essa Santo, while €17 million (Dh70m) record buy Moussa Sow was signed too late to be eligible.

    The big-spending Red Knights boast further star names such as Brazil playmaker Everton Ribeiro and a sizeable UAE contingent.

    Despite the disparity in financial resources, undaunted Iran winger Vahid Amiri insisted: “the name of players alone can’t get the result”.

    He said: “We have a very difficult match tomorrow, but I can promise you will see a different Naft. We can surprise Ahli. 

    “I know Ahli have very good players, many of them play in the UAE national team. They also have very good foreign players.

    “But we have young players who play for Iran and the Under-23 
    national team. I know it is a big fight between experience and youth.

    “In football, the name of players alone can’t get the result. If one team is focused more, they can be successful.”

    Naft have no new injuries to report for the match, with midfielder Iman Mobali still sidelined.

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