Al Duhail Aims for AFC Champions League Spot Against Sepahan SC

Al Duhail will begin their new season tonight with the objective of securing a coveted spot in the AFC Champions League. They face Iran’s Sepahan SC in a crucial preliminary round match at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The stakes are high, as the winners of this match will join 22 already-qualified teams in the League Stage draw scheduled for Friday, September 1, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur.

Al Duhail earned their place in the preliminary round after finishing as runners-up in the Qatar Stars League, trailing behind champions Al Sadd. As they prepare for this pivotal encounter, the team has undergone significant changes, including a coaching shift and several high-profile signings.

Team Overhaul and Preparations

Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi has returned to lead the squad, replacing Frenchman Christophe Galtier. The Red Knights have strengthened their lineup with notable additions such as Cameroonian defender Jean-Charles Castelletto, Italian midfielder Marco Verratti from Al Arabi, Algerian prospect Adil Boulbina, and Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek. The team recently completed a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands, with Belmadi expressing confidence in their preparedness.

“The match is a special challenge, but we have sufficient experience and confidence in our abilities to achieve victory and qualify for the league stage,” Belmadi stated at a pre-match press conference. He emphasized that the team has conducted thorough preparations and is eager to start the season on a high note. “Sepahan is a serious team, and we have studied them technically to identify their strengths,” he added.

Midfielder Karim Boudiaf shared Belmadi’s confidence, stating, “We are ready for the match, having undergone three weeks of intensive preparations. We are on the right track under coach Belmadi, and we aim to win this decisive match.” Boudiaf noted the team’s extensive experience in the Asian Championship, which he believes will be crucial in this matchup.

Sepahan’s Confidence and Strategy

Both Al Duhail and Sepahan missed the last edition of the AFC Champions League. Al Duhail had reached the semi-finals in 2022, while Sepahan aims for their 15th appearance in the tournament, having been runners-up in 2007.

Sepahan coach Moharram Navidikia expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities. “The match against Al Duhail looks very difficult, but we are confident in our ability to achieve victory. It is one of the most important matches we will play this season,” he remarked.

Midfielder Ehsan Hajsafi echoed Navidikia’s sentiments, stating, “We have analyzed Al Duhail’s strengths and weaknesses and are looking forward to using that to our advantage and scoring goals. Our team is in good condition, and our training sessions have been excellent.” Hajsafi emphasized their readiness, both mentally and physically, and expressed hope of making their fans proud.

The match is set to kick off at 19:00 local time, promising an exciting showdown as both teams vie for a place in the prestigious tournament.