Al-Ahli Saudi FC is preparing for a crucial away match against Al-Wahda FC of the UAE at Al Nahyan Stadium, in the seventh round of the AFC Champions League group stage. Coach Matthias Jäissle's squad faces significant challenges due to the absence of several key players.
Al Ahli's squad will continue to be without Uzbek player Jaloliddin Masharipov due to a recent injury that has sidelined him. Adding to his absence is another significant loss in the back line, as Turkish defender Merih Demiral will also remain unavailable as he has not yet reached the required technical and physical fitness to participate in a match of this magnitude. This leaves coach Yasle needing to find suitable tactical solutions to compensate for these absences.
General context and importance of the championship
This match is part of the newly revamped AFC Champions League, the premier club competition in Asia, featuring the continent's strongest teams. Matches between Saudi and Emirati clubs are always highly anticipated and fiercely contested, considered "Gulf derbies" that attract a large audience and media, and are known for their intense rivalry and excitement on the pitch.
The match's impact on the teams' journey
Al-Ahli, led by their German coach Matthias Jäissle, are aiming for a positive result to continue their good run of form and compete strongly for a place in the knockout stages. The team arrives with high morale after their recent 2-0 victory over Al-Hazm in the Saudi Professional League, giving the players added motivation to deliver a strong performance in the continental competition. A win in this match would not only strengthen the team's position in their group but also underline their ambitions to compete for the continental title this season, especially after the significant reinforcements the club made during the summer transfer window.
On the other hand, Al Wahda of the UAE aims to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to secure a valuable victory that keeps their title hopes alive. This match will be a true test of Al Ahli's squad depth and coach Yassla's ability to cope with difficult circumstances and a depleted roster, as he will rely on the available players to deliver the expected performance and secure the three points.
