JEDDAH: Al-Ahli seeks to lock up its place in the semifinal against Dhofar of Oman as the last round of Group B matches concludes today at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here.
Ahli and Dhofar clash in the nightcap of the twinbill that starts with a 6 p.m. match between Al-Salmiyah of Kuwait and Al-Najma of Bahrain.
Top of the group on 4 points, Ahli goes through to the next round with either a win or a draw.
A win by both Dhofar and Salmiyah, tied on 3 points, would qualify them for the semis and shut the door on the host club.
Ahli won its first match against Al-Salmiyah 1-0 but played a goalless draw in the second against Najma.
Dhofar’s 3 points came via a 1-0 win against Najmah.
A draw is not an option for both Dhofar and Salmiyah if they are to advance into the next round.
Najma’s only hope is to win the match by so many goals to qualify second of the group.
Ahli’s fans are again expected to turn out in droves to support their new-look team.
Enjoying a home-field advantage, Ahli is expected to play conservative football though it cannot afford to relax in defense to prevent any surprise goals from its rivals.
