Shabab carries a one-goal lead in the away match in South Korea having beaten the Koreans 4-3 in the first leg match at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Oct. 5.
Shabab has two chances of advancing to the final — with a win or draw. But the same does not apply to the other Riyadh-based club, Hilal, which must win by at least two goals to overturn its 1-0 defeat in Iran on Oct. 6.
On its way to the semifinal Shabab topped the preliminary stage in Group C on 10 points from three wins, one draw and two losses. Shabab then beat Esteghlal Tehran 3-2 of Iran at King Fahd International Stadium in a knockout round-of-16 match.
In the quarterfinals, a two-legged series, Shabab faced Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of South Korea. Shabab won by 2-0 in South Korea in the first leg match, lost the return leg in Riyadh 1-0 and advanced to the semifinals opposite Seongnam on an aggregate score of 2-1.
Shabab finished training camp in South Korea in preparation for the important second leg match. Though a draw is an option Shabab is expected to play to win with emphasis on attacking and trying to get a goal in the first 10 minutes of the contest.
Shabab enters the match handicapped by the absence of star player Ahmad Autaif who was suspended after incurring two yellow cards in previous matches.
With its army of supporters expected to fill every available space at King Fahd International Stadium Hilal holds the edge over Zob Ahan.
Hilal’s journey to the semifinals began when it topped Group D on 11 points from five wins and one defeat during the eliminations. Hilal then went on to eliminate FC Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan after winning their round-of-16 match 3-0 in Riyadh. In the quarterfinals, Hilal defeated Al-Garrafa of Qatar in the first leg match 3-0 in Riyadh, lost 4-2 in Qatar and qualified for the last four against the Iranian team on aggregate result.
After losing in Iran to add to its woes of being unable to win on the road, Hilal is in a must-win situation at home. Famous for making strong comebacks, Hilal should be able to overturn its one-goal deficit.
Victories by both Shabab and Hilal would set up a first-ever all Saudi final match in Asia’s premier club competition.
Hilal is a two-time champion of this competition, winning in 1992 and in 2000.
