Cosmin Olaroiu has called for cool heads in Tuesday night’s Asian Champions League semi-final clash against Al Hilal, as Al Ahli seek to move a step closer to the continental title.
The Dubai club, contesting the last four for the first time in their history, face last year’s finalists in the first leg at the King Fahd Stadium, where they will attempt to register a positive result to take into the return match on October 20.
Hilal, who defeated Al Ain at this stage last season, represent a difficult opponent, though, having began the 2015/16 domestic campaign in fine fashion.
The two-time Asian champions have won all three of their Saudi League matches.
The hosts boast a particularly strong record at home, too, and are unbeaten in front of their fervent support in the Champions League in two years.
Ahli will be keen to avoid the same fate Al Ain encountered there 12 months ago, when the Saudis ran rampant to take what proved to be an insurmountable 3-0 first-leg lead to the UAE.
Olaroiu, a former coach of Hilal, realises the size of the task facing his current side. However, he insists Ahli will not be affected by their underdog tag.
“No team is unbeatable and we have nothing to lose here,” Olaroiu said.
“We have put in a lot of effort to reach this stage, and we’ll be playing to complete the job.
“Al Hilal have more Asian cups and a big fan base, some new players and a manager that has managed to steer them in a positive direction.
“Their presence in the latter stages last year and this year proves how strong they are, whereas Al Ahli have passed to this stage for the first time. So it’s natural that Hilal will be favourites, especially since they’re playing at home.
“However, once we’re on the pitch the match will be decided by the team that is more calm and more focused.
“That team will be the one who progresses.”
Ahli have almost a full squad to choose from, with only Moussa Sow, this month’s acquisition from Turkey’s Fenerbahce, missing because he was signed after the tournament’s registration date.
Hilal must contend with the loss of Digao, the Brazilian defender, who is suspended for both legs.
Olaroiu said Digao’s absence will not alter his game plan, although he promised to go searching for what could be a crucial away goal.
Ahmed Khalil, the Ahli striker, echoed those sentiments. “It will be a difficult match, but we’ll follow the coach’s orders,” he said.
“Facing a big team with a lot of experience like Hilal requires extreme effort and concentration on the pitch. We’ve come to Riyadh to get a positive result, and we have to work hard. Nothing is impossible in football.”
Giorgos Donis, the Hilal coach, bemoaned the Asian Football Confederation’s late decision to ban Digao but said his teammates are fully concentrated on making the final.
“We expected this from the AFC because they don’t like us and waited until one day before the game,” he said.
“But we were prepared. Ahli are a strong team with good quality players, but I’m confident and optimistic. We are focused only on us. We hope to get a result that will help us for the second leg.”
KEY BATTLES
Kwon Kyung-won v Ailton Almeida
Ahli’s makeshift defender needs to be on his game against the dangerous Brazilian. Almeida has proved a hit following his summer transfer from Russian side Terek Grozny, scoring three goals. He is a robust presence up front who looks to stretch opponents, so Kwon will be keen to keep him facing away from goal. No easy task, though.
Majed Hassan v Carlos Eduardo
The tenacious Ahli midfielder will most likely be charged with shackling the in-form Hilal star. Since joining the Saudi Arabia club in the summer, Eduardo has scored six goals in six matches, including three in the quarter-final double-header against Lekhwiya. The attacking midfielder is given licence to roam and is a set-piece expert, too. Hilal’s chief threat.
Rodrigo Lima v Kwak Tae-hwi
On song since his summer move to Ahli, the Brazilian striker has impressed with his finishing ability and link-up play with Everton Ribeiro. He is up against a defence weakened by the absence of Digao, placing more onus on Kwak. Although vastly experienced, Kwak is 34 and not as quick as he once was. An away goal is vital for Ahli.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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