The kits for the two teams were put on display in Doha yesterday. Al Duhail will be in red while Persepolis will sport white kit.
Doha: Al Duhail will look to tackle Persepolis with an aggressive approach when the two familiar Asian football giants square off in the first leg of AFC Champions League quarter-finals in Doha, today.
Qatar’s Al Duhail and Iran’s Persepolis have not met before but the two teams have much in common as they are aiming for the coveted Asian title after winning their premier domestic leagues – QNB Stars League and Persian Gulf Pro League – respectively. In the AFC Champions League, Al Duhail finished on top in group B while Persepolis also advanced after securing first position in group C.
But, Al Duhail will enter the Khalifa International Stadium with a psychological edge over the last year’s semi-finalists, taking an eight-match AFC Champions League winning streak with them.
After easing to the top of the group and qualifying to the Round of 16 with two games to spare, Al Duhail made light work of 2016 finalists Al Ain, putting eight goals past them across the two legs.
An unstoppable attacking force, Al Duhail have bagged 21 goals in the competition so far, six more than the next best West Asian side, Al Sadd, and head coach Nabil Maaloul said his side will play today’s clash with the same approach. “The Iranian team is a special team but Al Duhail strategy is clear which is to rely on the attack and thank God the team has a big number of players who are able to make opportunities for our strikers,” said Al Duhail head coach at a pre-match press conference at Torch Hotel in Doha, yesterday.
Maaloul, who coached Tunisia at Russia 2018 World Cup, said his team was prepared to take on the top Iranian team.
“The preparations are going well and the players are in their best level and well prepared. Our main goal is to win this title. We also know that we are facing the champion of the Iranian league championship, and we hope that the players will achieve positive result before travelling to Tehran for the away match,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail striker Edmilson hoped his team will come victorious in what he believed to be a difficult battle.
“Everyone in the team knows the importance of the match. We know the game will not be easy but we will work hard to achieve positive result “.
