Appreciating Hazza bin Zayed’s support and sponsorship and Sultan bin Hamdan’s follow-up and interest of the team in the AFC Champions League.. Mohammed Obaid Hammad: Al Ain has a “national” missionin the AFC Champions League… to defend the name and reputation of Emirati football
The Asian challenge is different from local competitions, and The Boss “Al Zaeem” is the best representative in the global tournaments
No surprises in the AFC Champions League draw, and the surprise was made by the AFC’s decision
All the teams qualified on merit, and Al Ain faced Nasaf in 2016 in the group stage
Al Ain participates in training programs that include friendly matches during the current break
The AFC Champions League draw puts The Boss “Al Zaeem”against Nasaf… and a Saudi matchup between Al Nassr and Al Fayha
Kuala Lumpur: 28-12-2023
The 2023-24 AFC Champions League draw, for the knockout stage from the round of 16 to the final, which was held this evening in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, resulted in exciting matches for West Asia teams. The Emirati club Boss “Al Zaeem”, Group A champion, will face Nasaf, Uzbekistan, Group B champion. Meanwhile, Al Fayha and Al Nassr from Saudi Arabia will meet in the same round. The Saudi club AlHilal will face Sepahan Isfahan, Iran, while the draw placed Al Ittihad, KSA against Navbahor, Uzbekistan.
The winner of the Al-Ain vs. Nasaf match will face the winner of the Al Fayha vs. Al-Nassr match in the quarter-finals, while the winner of the Al Hilal vs. Sepahan match will face the winner of the Al Ittihad vs. Navbahor match in the same round.
As for the teams in East Asia, Jeonbuk Hyundai, South Korea will face their compatriots Pohang Steelers, while Ulsan Hyundai will meet Vissel Kobe, Japan. Shandong Taishan, China will play against Kawasaki Frontale, Japan, and Bangkok United, Thailand will face Yokohama Marinos, Japan.
Mohammed Obaid Hammad, member of the Steering Committee of Al Ain Football Club Affairs Management and the Supervisor of Al Ain First Team and the Reserve Team,expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for the generous support and sponsorship that the club has consistently received from His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, First Vice President of Al-Ain Sports and Cultural Club, First Vice President of the Honorary Council and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Club. He also expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Affairs of Al Ain Football Club Company, who has directed the provision of the club’s requirements to ensure the team’s continuity in achieving strong results in the AFC Champions League, and we ask Almighty Allah for guidance and success for the team in order to achieve the aspirations of the club and bring joy to the Al Ain fans.
Hammad said that the draw is balanced and stated, “There is no room for surprises in the AFC Champions League draw, considering the difference between Asian and local tournaments. We all know that the teams that have qualified for the Round of 16 are capable to compete and have reached this knock-out phase through merit. Furthermore, reality confirms that each progressive stage in the AFC Champions League is always stronger than the previous one. However, sometimes the actual surprise is created by the AFC, as exemplified by the sudden decision to cancel the previously adopted draw mechanism just a few days before the final stage draw.”
“Al Ain faced Nasaf, Uzbekistan in 2016 during the group stage, and we are well aware that the team’s mission in the upcoming stages will not be easy, as I mentioned before. However, Al Ain is a big club and does not fear any team in Asia. It has its brand, prestige, and history in the AFC Champions League. It is also one of the best clubs that represented Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup. Undoubtedly, being among the top 16 clubs in the strongest tournament on Asia to defend the reputation of Emirati football itself enhances everyone’s sense of responsibility in this national mission,” He continued.
Regarding the team’s preparations during the long break, Hammad said, “Actually, the players need rest during this period after the efforts they exerted in the previous compressed stage. The international players will join their respective national teams, and the team is scheduled to resume its training programs during the break with morning and evening sessions. These will include some friendly matches for both the first and the reserve teams.”
