Jeddah: A clash of the Al Ahlis takes place at King Abdullah Sports City on Monday as the Saudi and Emirati namesakes face off in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League.
The sides last went head to head in the 2015 group stage when Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli claimed a win and a draw before the pair both progressed to the knockout rounds and the Emirati team eventually finished as runners-up.
Omah Al Soma proved key for the hosts in the previous round as his four goals helped secure second place in Group C. The visitors have an array of attacking options with Asamoah Gyan, Everton Ribeiro and top scorer Makhete Diop, who returns from suspension, huge threats to opposition defences.
The Saudi side, who are without the suspended Aqeel Al Sahabi, suffered a 3-2 defeat to Al Hilal in the King’s Cup on Thursday. The Emiratis, meanwhile, brought their domestic season to a close last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Bani Yas.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com