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Football: Al Ain ready for AFC battle; Al Wahda hope for miracle

Abu Dhabi - Group C is wide open. Al-Ahli Saudi FC lead with eight points followed by Zob Ahan at seven and Al Ain six. This is Al Ain's penultimate tie and last round match is against eliminated Bunyodkor

Two Capital clubs will be in action during the AFC Champions League group stage matches on Monday. Al Ain fight Zob Ahan in the Iranian city of Isfahan. And Al Wahda play Al Rayyan SC at the Al Nahyan Stadium.
Group C is wide open. Al-Ahli Saudi FC lead with eight points followed by Zob Ahan at seven and Al Ain six. This is Al Ain's penultimate tie and last round match is against eliminated Bunyodkor. So, three points against Zob Ahan at the Foolad Shahr Stadium almost ensures a passage into round of 16. It was 1-1 draw when the two met in February at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
Coach Zoran Mamic said his players are ready to fight and continue to live the continental dream. He noted Zob Ahan as a well-organised side with top legs like striker Morteza Tabrizi.
"We have strong opponents in Zob Ahan. There's a rivalry between the two sides. This is an important match," Mamic said at the Press conference in Isfahan on Sunday.
He acknowledged lack of stability in the backline as a problem. "We had absentees with players on international duty. We have suffered but remain determined to put a strong performance against Zob Ahan."
Team's talisman Omar Abdulrahman said their mission is to return with three points. "We are well aware of what is required from us. Our teamwork and desire to win will enable us to achieve our goals."
Korean midfielder Lee Myung-Joo was more forthright. "We have no choice but to win. We will redouble our efforts. Both teams know each other well."
Defender Ismail Ahmed said: "We will fight for the victory. Everyone is aware about the importance of this match."
Al Wahda, meanwhile, are at the bottom of Group D.
It will be a difficult match for the 'Clarets' as Al Rayyan will be seeking a first-ever qualification into the knockout stages. Al Hilal top the group with eight points, followed by Al Rayyan (seven) and Persepolis (five points). Al Wahda have bagged just a lone point so far through a draw.
Coach Javier Aguirre said the team had a poor competition but will fight to win at home.
"We have to win the game as we're almost out of the competition. We are disappointed with the results. We have to fight until the last minute of the match. We have to have a miracle and win the two matches and wait for the other results if we want to go further in the competition."
Al Wahda remain winless with three loses so far. Aguirre said it was time to make the fans proud and win the game for them.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com