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Al Wahda Hope to Set Things Right

ABU DHABI – Al Wahda are looking good to add a fourth League title this season but strangely, they haven’t translated that form at the Asian level.

On Wednesday, the three-time UAE League champions will try to set that right when they host eight-time Saudi Premier League champions Al Ittihad in the AFC Champions League at the Al Nahyan Stadium.

But it easier said than done. Al Wahda go into a game which is a must win for both teams. Al Wahda are in a more precarious position after having lost both their games so far. They went down to Iran’s Al Zobahan away by a solitary goal and then suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor.

Two-time AFC Champions League winners and last year’s runners-up Al Ittihad have had a disappointing start too, losing 0-3 to Bunyodkor before salvaging a 2-2 draw against Al Zobahan.

“This game is important for both teams because one of the teams will find it difficult to stay in the competition,” Al Wahda coach Josef Hickersberger said on Tuesday.

Hickersberger said both teams will go for a victory. “A draw will not help both teams considering the situation we are in. Both teams will go for a win,” he said.

Hickersberger admitted that Al Wahda have a bigger mountain to climb but he was optimistic that his club will stand up and deliver. “Our chances look slim after we lost both games. But we are not out of the competition yet. If we win on Wednesday, we will stay in contention,” said Hickersberger.

Hickersberger said that Al Ittihad will come hard at them in attack but he said that their weakness in defence would leave holes for them to exploit. “Al Ittihad play a strong offensive game, but their defence is not as good as their attacking options. So, we can score goals against them,” he said.

Andre Luciano Pinga is doubtful because of a muscle pain and he may not play the full 90 minutes. Mohammed Othman is ruled out because of an injury, while Mahmoud Khamis won’t play because of personal commitments.

Despite the injuries, Hickersberger said his side still had enough firepower. “But we still have a good side to compete against a strong team like Al Ittihad,” said Hickersberger.

Al Ittihad coach Enzo Trossero said that the win over Al Hilal in the Saudi League last weekend was the fillip that was needed, going into this crucial game.

“We rediscovered our game after winning against Al Hilal in the Saudi League. That win will help our confidence. It is the last chance for both the teams,” said Trossero.

Trossero said that they would try to keep their record intact. “We have a proud record of winning the AFC Champions League twice and being runners-up last year,” he said.

Defender Osama Al Muwallad won’t feature in the game because of an injury.

Kick-off is at 7.30 p.m

james@khaleejtimes.com