JEDDAH, 17 May 2006 — Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab play their final group matches today, each looking to qualify for the quarterfinals in the AFC Champions League.
The seven group winners after today’s finale will join two-time defending champions Al-Ittihad in the round of eight.
In Group B, Hilal will face Al-Mina’a of Iraq in Kuwait. In the same group Al-Ain of UAE will face Mash’al of Uzbekistan in Al-Ain city in UAE. Al-Ain lead the group with 10 points followed by Hilal with 9 in second place and Mash’al with 8 in third. Al-Mina’a of Iraq are last and out of competition with only one point. The first three teams are all mathematically in contention for a spot in the next round with Al-Ain the strong bets to qualify.
Al-Ain will need a simple win to make it. Any draw will put Al-Ain in danger of exiting the Champions League, because if Hilal win, the Riyahd-based club will take the ticket to the quarterfinals.
Hilal’s hopes are also anchored on either a loss or a draw by Al-Ain. If Al-Ain win the match then it is over for Hilal. Mash’al’s only hope is to win against Al-Ain and hope that Hilal drop the match, which is a very difficult proposition.
In Group D, Shabab are in first place ahead on goal difference though equal on points with Al-Saad at 10. Al-Quwa Al Jawiya of Iraq are in third position with 6 points and Al-Arabi of Kuwait bring up the rear with 3 points.
Shabab battle Al-Quwa Al Jawiya and Al-Saad take on Al-Arabi. Shabab need to win by as many goals as possible to keep their advantage in case Al-Saad also win. A draw is not an option because it will give Al-Saad a berth in the quarterfinals and vice versa.
