DUBAI, 16th August, 2020 (WAM) — The coaches of Shabab Al-Ahli and Sharjah confirmed that both teams qualified for the group stages of the AFC Champions League and qualified for the play-offs gave them a boost. ADNOC Professional Football League to their players before playing their first matches in the new season.
Shabab Al-Ahly defeated Jordan’s Al-Wehdad 3-0 in the opening round of the AFC Champions League at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai yesterday, facing a Saudi victory in a playoff for the group stage qualifiers.
Sharjah beat Bangladesh’s Bashundar Kings 2-0 at the Sharjah Stadium yesterday and face Iranian Tractor in next Tuesday’s play-off.
Shabab Al-Ahli will host Ajman in the first round of the ADNOC Professional League, while Sharjah will host Ittihad Kalba in the same round tomorrow, Friday.
Al-Ahli youth coach Serbian Marko Nikolic said his focus is now on facing Ajman in the first round of the ADNOC League, and he explained: “I am satisfied with what the players gave, even if they didn’t take the chances. I am also happy for Mones Dabur’s goal in the first half of the tournament, in his first official participation with the team.
For his part, Sharjah’s coach, Romanian Olario Cosmin, confirmed that his side are looking forward to a tough match in the ADNOC Professional League after their performance in their first official match of the new season against Basundar.
He explained, “We scored our first goals in the AFC Champions League and we have to focus on Friday’s league meeting which will be a strong test for the team before facing the Iranian tractor.”