Doha [Qatar], April 22: A classic is on the cards when Qatar's Al Ahli square off against Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia in the semi-final of AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday.
The Cristiano Ronaldo led-Al Nassr had advanced to the last four stage with an impressive 4-0 win against Al Wasl of the UAE while Al Ahli saw off the challenge of Al Hussein of Jordan with a 3-1 victory.
"We are fully prepared to face Al Nassr and we are looking to deliver a strong performance against a formidable opponent that has many well-known names in world football. But we also have a high ambition to make a significant impact," said Al Ahli's coach Younes Ali while speaking to the media on eve of the big clash.
"The team received a big morale boost after our victory over Al Hussein of Jordan in the quarter-finals, and all the players are eager to maintain their strong form in tomorrow's match.
"Our strikers have high technical ability. They played a remarkable game in the quarter-final, created many chances, and faced a goalkeeper who made several saves. I believe we will be more clinical against Al Nassr," he added.
"I am not worried about missed chances as long as we continue to perform well and create opportunities. Tomorrow's match will be difficult and different from the previous encounter, given the strength of the opponent and the quality of their players. I expect few scoring chances, but we will be ready for the challenge," stressed Ali.
Al Ahli's goalkeeper Marwan Sherif said the side was eager to put it across the formidable opponents.
"We look forward to continuing the team's outstanding run in the tournament. We are fully prepared to continue our impressive run. We have gone nine matches unbeaten since the start of the tournament and we will give everything to maintain this winning streak.
"The match will not be easy, but we are aware of the responsibility on us. We will exert every effort against Al Nassr to achieve the desired result. It is important for us to continue our journey in the best possible way," said Sherif.
Al Nassr's head coach Jesus Jorge meanwhile is looking to steer his side to continental glory, with the Portuguese saying he wants Al Nassr to create history by becoming the first team from Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy.
Having tinkered with his squad in the earlier rounds, Jorge fielded his strongest lineup for the clash against Al Wasl, who just couldn't cope with Al Nassr's array of stars.
Al Nassr too have a perfect record of nine wins and will be confident of another two as they look to claim the coveted trophy.
"Our goal is to qualify for the final. We have great respect for Al Ahli. The team includes well-known professionals who have played for major European clubs, and they deserve to reach this stage.
"I expect a difficult match. Semi-final games cannot be predicted in advance," said Jorge.
Al Nassr player Abdullah Al Hamdan said, "Winning the AFC Champions League title is one of our most important goals this season. Tomorrow's match against a respected opponent is very important and pivotal. It is like an early final in the tournament."
While Al Ahli did not advance with a perfect record, they made the semi-finals with an unbeaten record and with glory just two matches away, will be determined to give the semi-final their best.
Success has long eluded the Doha-based side but having seen off the challenges of several quality teams enroute to qualifying for the semi-finals, Al Ahli will believe they are capable of advancing at the expense of a star-studded Al Nassr, with Japan's Gamba Osaka waiting in the final.AFC Champions League Two Semi-final Today.
Source: Qatar Tribune
