Al-Ahli, Al-Nasr, and Al-Ittihad in Asian mission

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, the defending champions, are aiming to secure their second consecutive victory after a shaky start when they face Qatar’s Al-Gharafa today in the unified group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite. Al-Ahli sit fourth with four points, having begun their campaign with a draw against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor before defeating UAE’s Al-Wasl. On the other hand, Al-Gharafa languish in 13th place without any points. Despite the difficulty of the task for Al-Ahli at home, the Qatari side is looking to record their first win in the competition, or at least return with a draw, to halt their poor start.

Meanwhile, Saudi champions Al-Nassr are also targeting a second straight win as they host UAE’s Al-Wasl today at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. Al-Nassr occupy eighth place with three points, after starting with a loss to UAE’s Al-Ain before regaining their footing with a victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi. Al-Wasl, meanwhile, sit 14th without points following defeats to Saudi sides Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli.

The in-form Al-Qadsiah are also aiming for three points when they face Qatar’s Al-Sadd at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. Al-Qadsiah are sixth with four points after beating Al-Wasl and drawing with Pakhtakor, while Al-Sadd are bottom of the table after losses to Esteghlal and Al-Hilal.

Al-Ain, champions of the 2003 and 2004 editions, are looking to maintain their strong start and secure a third consecutive win when they host Tractor. Al-Ain top the unified group standings after convincing 4-0 and 4-1 victories over Al-Nassr and Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, respectively, and they aim for another ideal attacking performance against a side known for its defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya are seeking to register their first points when they face Pakhtakor.