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Al Nasr take on Lekhwiya in AFC Champions League
DUBAI - Following their heartbreaking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Sepahan at the Foolad Shahr Stadium in the opener of their 2012 AFC Champions League campaign, Al Nasr players are looking forward to make amends when they host Qatar’s Lekhwiya in the second round of the competition at Al Maktoum Stadium here tonight.
The Qataris started well after earning a valuable 1-0 home victory over the Saudi giants Al Ahli.
“We have turned over a new page,” said Al Nasr’s Italian coach Walter Zenga during the pre-match Press conference at Al Nasr’s clubhouse on Tuesday.
The club’s management did everything right to keep the players away from any pressure and provided them with all means of comfort. There’s nothing missing.
Al Nasr’s suspended Ivorian pro Amara is back to the start list. Under the circumstances, Zenga may probably field keeper Abdulla Mosa; defenders Masoud Hassan, Hilal Saeed, Mahmoud Hassan and Mohammed Ali; midfielders Habib Fardan, Lima, Mark Bresciano and Humaid Abbas; strikers Luca Toni and Amara Diane.
The club’s die-hard fans have big hopes to see the Italian legend Luca Toni showing the best of him and make his presence felt in such a crucial home tie which will be decisive to the team’s fortunes in booking a spot in the next stage.
“I think we have been drawn in a very tough group,” Zenga said. “The Saudis are by no means easy opponents and front runners for the league title back at home. The Iranians are equally showing the way in the standings table of their local premier competition and have moved very close to the crown. My biggest hope is to see the players showing the same fighting spirit and make things good in today’s challenge. We are one family and working together in a truly friendly atmosphere. We need to win to improve our chances,” he said.
“I know our opponents have top players from Cote D’Ivoire and Algeria in addition to an international coach of good repute, but this is not everything. All what I have to say is we are well prepared for the test and the players are in their best mental and morale condition to do pride for their nation,” he added.
The same opinion was echoed by Al Nasr’s playmaker Habib Al Fardan who have reunited with the squad after the great achievement of the Olympic national team who have qualified to the 2012 London Games finals for the first time in the country’s history.
“We did what should be done for our people, and the time has come to show the same spirit and determination with our club,” he said.
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