JEDDAH, 11 December 2006 — Al-Ahli play host to Qadisya of Kuwait today at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here in the first leg of the Arab Champions League Group A quarterfinal match.
Ahli are expected to put the demoralizing 3-2 defeat from Al-Hilal in the Saudi Soccer League at the weekend behind them, as they bid to translate their home field advantage to victory.
El Zamalek of Egypt and CA Bordj Bou Arreridj of Algeria are the other teams bracketed in Group A. The other group includes the other Saudi team to qualify, Al Nasr, Al-Faisaly of Jordan, ES Setif of Algeria and Kuwait of Kuwait. Two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.
It is very important for Ahli to win this match especially since the next two first leg matches against Zamalek of Egypt and CA Bordj Bou Arreridj will be outside Jeddah. Ahli will push from the first minute to secure the game three points.
The Ahli coach, in all probability, will opt for a stronger midfield line with the combination of Muhammad Massad, Turki Al-Thagafi, Tayseer Al-Jazim and Saheb All-Abdullah.
The Ahli defense is in good shape with Khaled Badra and Waleed Abd Rabu in the center and Ali Al-Abdali and Hussein Abdul Ghani in the wings. Ahli’s Tunisian star striker, Haykal Gamamdeya, will not dress for the match because he was not included in the lineup in this competition. However, Malek Muaz and Medoraj, will be there to fill the void in the striking line.
Defender Khaled Badra said Ahli club is ready for this match especially after the fine performance against Hilal last Thursday. He promised that Ahli club will make up for the defeat they suffered against Hilal and bring back the smile to Ahli fans with the game three points.
Ahli reached the quarterfinals following draws against RCA Raja in Jeddah 1-1 and in Morocco 3-3. Nasr qualified also after defeating MC Alger 2-1 in Riyadh and drawing the second leg match 2-2.
Nasr will host ES Setif of Algeria in first leg match in Riyadh at Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium in Riyadh tomorrow.
