MANAMA, Aug 13: Kuwait Club will face Al-Ahli of Bahrain at 7:15 pm at Bahrain International Stadium in a play-off match to qualify for the AFC Champions League 2.

In the same round, East Bengal of India will play against Altyn Asyr of Turkmenistan at Yuba Bharti Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata, India. This round consists of a single match, with the winner advancing directly to the tournament's group stage, while the loser will compete in the Challenge League for the AFC Cup.

Kuwait Club arrived in Manama last Sunday with a full squad, except for Mohammed Daham and Mashari Ghannam, who didn't travel with the team. The administrative staff is working hard to finalize their travel arrangements before the crucial match.

Kuwait Club has made several changes to the team, including hiring Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic to replace Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul. The club also signed Moroccan professionals Yahya Jabrane and Ayman Abu Al-Fath, joining foreign players Yassin Al-Khenisi (Tunisia), Mohammed Marhoun (Bahrain), and Arsene "Malik" Zola (Congo). Kuwait Club recently secured a 1-0 victory over Al-Qadisiya last Thursday in the opening match of the Zain Premier League, boosting the players' morale ahead of the play-off.

The "Whites" understand the challenge they face against a strong opponent on their home turf and in front of their fans, especially with the absence of top scorer Mohammed Daham and defender Mishari Ghannam. However, coach Nebojsa has confidence in his squad's ability to secure a valuable victory and await the group stage draw, which will take place next Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Kuwait Club boasts players with the talent and potential to win, including Yousef Nasser, Sami Al-Sanea, Fahad Hamoud, Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Ali Hussein, Reda Hani, Faisal Zayed, Fahad Al-Hajri, and Amr Abdel Fattah, along with the five foreign professionals.

Meanwhile, Al-Ahli has also prepared thoroughly for this match, holding an external camp in Turkey and making several team changes. The club appointed new Spanish coach Angel Lopez in July and strengthened its roster with key signings, including left winger and striker Julio Victor Sousa Ferreira, attacking midfielder Ramon Cesar Sereno, defensive midfielder Juda Aguiar da Silva, and Argentine striker Tobares.

During the Turkey camp, Al-Ahli played three friendly matches, losing all three: 2-4 to Shabab Belouizdad of Algeria, 1-2 to Inegol Spor of Turkey, and 0-5 to Persepolis of Iran. Al-Ahli finished fourth in the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League last season. The match will be officiated by Omani referee Qasim Al-Hatmi.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff