The 2015 AFC Asian Champions League kicks off this week. Here's a quick preview of the West Asian side of the draw concluding with Group D; including Emirati champions Al-Ahli, Iranian side Tractor Sazi, Uzbek underdogs Nasaf Qarshi and on form Jeddah based Al-Ahli.
Team: Al-Ahli
Country: United Arab Emirates
Manager: Cosmin Olaroiu (ROM)
Key Man: Everton Ribeiro (BRA)
One of the two Al-Ahli’s in Group D, Dubai's representative come into the tournament in a bit of a slump. Currently way off the the likes
of Al-Jazira and Al-Ain in the title stakes, the reigning AGL holders need a
major turnaround even to make the ACL places this term. Up until now, they’ve
stood behind their underfire coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who hasn’t exactly had the
best of start’s to the year after disappointing in charge of Saudi Arabia before
returning to domestic duties. Numerous names have been linked to the top club
job in the Emirates, but the likes of national team coach Mahdi Ali look
unlikely to take charge before the end of the season. Their team has been
bolstered in the January window with the introduction of highly rated Brazilian
Everton Ribeiro and former Liverpool winger Omar Assaidi. National team heroes
Walid Abbas and Ahmed Khalil provide some home based talent for the fans to cheer on.
Team: Tractor Sazi
Country: Iran
Manager: Toni Oliveira (POR)
Key Man: Edinho (BRA)
Tractor Sazi’s progression came via the Iranian Cup which
was clinched at the latter end of last season, however their form in the league
this term has upped their credentials going into the ACL. Despite the loss of
Karim Ansarifard after his loan expired in the summer, Edinho has continued in
great goalscoring form, firing Tractor into a reasonable shout of at least a direct ACL qualification next year. Only taking part in their third ACL campaign in their history, the acquisition of national team anchor Andranik Teymourian could prove a real coup. Their defensive record remains pretty poor but in a
group that is experiencing average form, it’s anyone’s guess who could make it
through to the knockout stages in this one.
Team: Nasaf Qarshi
Country: Uzbekistan
Manager: Ruziqul Berdiev (UZB)
Key Man: Artur Geyorkyan (TKM)
Perennial outsiders in the Uzbek League, Nasaf Qarshi have
threatened to make 3rd spot domestically universally their own. This year
however offers them a new opportunity to grow as they go through to the ACL
group stage for the first time in three years, as they aim to better their
bottom placed finish in the group back in 2012. That said they aren’t inexperienced on the
continental stage, mixing it in the playoffs and in the AFC Cup on number of
occasions, taking the title of Asia’s second tier competition in 2011. Piggy
backing on the success of the national team at all age ranges, Nasaf have a
solid set up to fall back on, bolstered by the goals of Uzbek Golden Boot
winner Artur Geyorkyan. The Turkmenistani international will hope to replicate
his sensational domestic record on the continent.
Team: Al-Ahli
Country: Saudi Arabia
Manager: Christian Gross (SUI)
Key Man: Omar Al-Somah (SYR)
Saudi
Pro League’s Al-Ahli are a little praised outfit that could prove wonders in a
favourable group. Their season is starting to pick up momentum despite trailing Al-Nassr in the Saudi title race at present. Recent results have seen them pick
up back to back victories over ACL rival Al-Hilal and an impressive extra time
victory over Al-Qadsia of Kuwait in the ACL playoffs. Their latter victory over
Hilal secured the first silverware of the new season, claiming the Crown Prince
Cup earlier in the month. The form of sensational goalscorer Omar Al-Somah
continues to propel Ahli forward, his 15 goals in14 domestic matches have been
crucial inspight of a cruel injury picked up just before the new year. Ahli’s
talents start further back however with the rising talent of Mustafa Al-Bassas
and the returning Brazlian Bruno Cesar pulling the strings in midfield.
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