Al Ahli goalkeeper Ahmed Dida claims the Red Knights’ fighting spirit on the road has ensured they have a “50/50” chance of making history at Guangzhou Evergrande by lifting the AFC Champions League trophy.
The Red Knights ground out a goalless first leg on Saturday in Dubai, leaving the decider between west and east Asia’s finest sides delicately poised for the return match in China on November 21.
Cosmin Olaroiu’s men have excelled away during their opening knockout-stage run in the continent’s elite club competition, being undefeated at Al Ain, Iran’s Naft Tehran and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. UAE goalkeeper Dida, 26, expected more of the same in a fortnight.
He said: “I think the chances are still on the pitch and still 50/50. Even though the second game is in China, it is still 50/50.
“We can still win, it doesn’t matter that we didn’t score. The biggest part was to not concede a goal.
“In China, it will be a different story and a different atmosphere – even the pressure will be different.
“I don’t know why, but always with the games away we do better. That is a positive thing and we should think positively about that.”
The sides meet again after the international break at the 58,500-capacity Tianhe Stadium, a ground in which Guangzhou are undefeated in 13 matches.
Despite playing host for the decider, veteran club and China skipper Zheng Zhi insisted “there is no advantage” for his side.
“With the score now, there is no advantage for us,” the 35-year-old former Celtic and Charlton Atheltic midfielder told Sina. “The last time we were in the AFC finals [when they defeated FC Seoul in 2013] we had two away goals – now the situation is different. But I can say we are very confident for the second round of the competition.”
A key factor in the second leg will be the participation of Southern China Tigers’ 2015 ACL top scorer Ricardo Goulart. He was stretchered off at Rashid Stadium on 59 minutes with an ankle injury which boss Luiz Felipe Scolari declared would make it “difficult” for his star forward to feature in the return.
When asked if doubts about the 24-year-old’s particpation were a boost for Ahli’s hopes, Dida emphasised the five-time-reigning Chinese Super League champions’ strength in depth.
He replied: “It is obvious Guangzhou are a good team.
“I am sure they have players who can take his place. We play against Guangzhou, not just one player.”
