Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar’s Al Wakrah will take on Tractor FC in the fifth round of Group A of the AFC Champions League 2 at the Al Rashid Stadium in Dubai on Wednesday at 7pm needing only a point to join the side from the Iran in the Round of 16.
It will not be easy though as Tractor will be keen to end their group stage campaign with a perfect four wins, with the Iranian side having won the reverse fixture 3-0 in September.
Group A is led by Tractor FC who have 9 points from three games while Al Wakrah have 3 points from two games. The third team in the group, FC Ravshan of Tajikistan have no points after their three games.
Speaking on eve of the match, Al Wakrah coach Ali Rahma Al Marri, said, "We are waiting for a difficult and important match against a strong team who are considered as the title comntenders. We are fully prepared to please our fans with a strong show.”
Al Wakrah player Hamdy Fathy, player said, We need one point to guarantee qualification, and we are looking for victory and we will make every possible effort to achieve this goal.”
This match is penultimate in the group stage for Al Wakrah while for Tractor FC, this would be their last group stage match. The earlier fourth team in the group, Mohun Bagan of India have withdrawn from the tournament.
Al Wakrah’s only win so far has come against FC Ravshan whom they beat 1-0. The goal was scored by Al Wakrah’s Angolan professional Jacinto Dala. The Blue Wave will be aiming to get the better of Tractor FC who prevailed 3-0 win over them in the previous meeting between the two sides.
Al Wakrah go into the clash with renewed enthusiasm and morale and with the aim of gaining the three match points. Al Wakrah are looking to shrug off their recent 1-3 loss to Al Gharafa in Week 10 of the Ooredoo Stars League and put up a challenging show against Tractor.
FC Ravshan, who will not be in action, still have an outside chance of advancing, with the side from Tajikistan to play Al Wakrah on Matchday Six.