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Al Wehdat in must win AFC Champions League mission against Al Sadd

Al Wehdat in must win AFC Champions League mission against Al Sadd

AFC

The onus is on Al Wehdat to secure all three points when they face Al Sadd SC again on Matchday Four of the 2021 AFC Champions League Group D fixture on Friday.

Al Wehdat started their debut campaign with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, but that was followed by defeats to Islamic Republic of Iran's Foolad Khouzestan FC (1-0) and Qatar's Al Sadd (3-1) and another defeat would dash the Jordan side's hopes of advancing.

Al Sadd have also endured a mixed campaign, needing a late goal to salvage a point against Foolad before being comprehensively beaten by Al Nassr 3-1 on Matchday Two. The Qatar champions, however, rediscovered their best form against Al Wehdat on Monday and will be aiming for another three points.

Al Wehdat found the going tough against Al Sadd, conceding three first half goals but gave a better account of themselves in the second half, with Ahmed Saleh scoring their first-ever AFC Champions League goal and head coach Abdullah Abu Zema will expect them to reproduce that spirit.

Al Sadd are the favourites but if Al Wehdat can take the game to the Qatar side, Zema will feel his side may get their reward against one of Asia's top sides.

Al Sadd head coach Xavi said consistency would be key if Al Sadd are to progress to the Round of 16 and the Spanish legend will urge his players to show the intensity they did in the first half against Al Wehdat on Monday.

Al Sadd had 14 shots from inside the box against Al Wehdat and if they can play at the same level and get a win on Friday, they will approach their final two matches against Foolad and Al Nassr confident of advancing to the Round of 16 as the group winners.