DUBAI // Cosmin Olaroiu says Al Ahli are up against arguably the continent’s strongest side when they take on China’s Guangzhou Evergrande in next month’s Asian Champions League final.
Ahli became only the second UAE representative to qualify for the showpiece – the first in a decade – when they defeated Al Hilal 3-2 at the Rashid Stadium on Tuesday to take the semi-final 4-3 on aggregate.
The Dubai club now play 2013 Asian champions Guangzhou across two legs, with the home tie on November 7. The return match in China takes place on November 21.
Guangzhou represent a significant test for Ahli, considering the Chinese Super League club are two matches away from winning the domestic title, while they are managed by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the 2002 Fifa World Cup-winning coach with Brazil.
They have invested heavily in their squad, too, with a number of Chinese internationals complemented by Brazilians Ricardo Goulart, Elkeson and Paulinho. Former Real Madrid playmaker Robinho is also on their books, although he is not eligible for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Goulart is the 2015 competition’s current top scorer having registered eight goals.
“In this moment, Guangzhou are one of the first three teams, if not the first, in Asia,” Olaroiu said. “They’re a strong team with a lot of investment. They won the Champions League two years ago, lost in semi-final last year and this year are in the final again. That says everything about their power.”
Olaroiu also thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Ahli president, for their support in helping the club reach the final.
“We are here because of these people,” he said. “Without their support and their investment, these players would not be here, I wouldn’t be here. Everything they’ve done, they’ve done for this country. Now the Emirates will have a team who play in the final of the Champions League.
“Comparing with the countries that participate in this competition, this is a huge performance. But you cannot make it if you don’t have the support of these people.
“They try for the best always, what is the best for the UAE, like now they succeed in other things, they succeed also in sport.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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