MUSCAT: Oman’s Al Nahda will meet energetic Lebanon’s Al Ahed SC in the second leg of the AFC Cup 2023/24 West Zone final on Tuesday at the Sultan Qaboos Complex. The match will kick off at 8 pm (Oman time). The Lebanese side are taking an advantage thanks to their first leg triumph in Karbala, Iraq, by 1-0 last week through the only goal in the match netted by Mohammed al Hallaq.
The national representatives wrapped up their technical preparations ahead of the crucial tie as they underwent intensive training sessions under watchful eyes of head coach Hamed al Azani. The head coach and his assistant team focused on improving the weak areas that occurred in the previous game. The last warm-up session for Al Nahda took place on Wednesday at the venue of the match and coach Al Azani implemented different technical tactics and finalised the squad which will represent the team in Tuesday's clash.
Al Nahda will chase a win that will ensure sealing spot in the AFC Cup final as the team is away by one step. The AFC Cup final is scheduled to take place on May 5 in Muscat and it is a golden opportunity for Oman’s representative. Al Buraimi-based team will hold an advantage of home support as the match will be held in Muscat on Tuesday and it is expected the domestic clubs fans will attend to cheer Al Nahda.
During the press conference, Al Nahda head coach Hamed al Azani voiced confidence that his team can move to the final. “It is expected to be a tough match for both sides as they will try to reach into the final. I am confident that Al Nahda can move to the next stage,” he said.
Responding on Junior’s absence, coach Hamed said: "Junior did a surgery and his absence is very crucial. However, the substitute will be ready and we may play with Ahmed al Matroushi or Nasser al Shamali."
“Al Nahda are taking part in many events including domestic league, HM Cup and the AFC Cup. The team is playing many matches within short time. Our focus now is shifted on the recovery of the players due to the high number of the matches. From last August and until today, Al Nahda’s performance is progressing. I am confident that the players will take the desired responsibility to do their level best in this essential assignment. Also, the focus factor is very important and we have to convert the scoring attempts properly into the target,” he concluded.
Rafat Mohammed, head coach of Al Ahed SC, affirmed that Tuesday's game will be different than the previous match. “The first leg result is not an indicator for our performance as Oman’s side will do their best as well. We know the opponent as we had met several times in the same competition. Our strategy will be entering the match with an attacking technique,” he added.
Al Nahda will aim to emulate fellow Omani side Seeb - the 2022 champions - in lifting the AFC Cup trophy while Al Ahed will work hard as well to repeat their last accomplishment in 2019 as they were crowned champions. It is expected that Mohammed al Hallaq and his team-mates will work hard to keep their advantage from the first leg and snatch a positive result.
The winner from the West Zone final will meet either Abdysh-Ata Kant of Kyrgyz Republic or Australia's Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Cup final on May 5.
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