Al Ahli bidding to make UAE and the Middle East proud in Asia showpiece

Thursday, 19 November 2015 18:24

Dubai’s Al Ahli are bidding to become only the second UAE team ever to win Asia’s biggest club competition, the AFC Champions League. The Red Knights take on Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande in the second leg of this year’s final on Saturday with the tie evenly poised at 0-0. And speaking exclusively to ARN, the club’s director of football Roy Aitken says the team will do everything to make the UAE, and the Middle East as a region, proud.

Roy Aikten

Meanwhile, Aitken insists Ahli's players will not be intimidated by a hostile 60,000 capacity crowd at the Tianhe Stadium. Guangzhou will start the match as favourites owing to their home advantage, but Ahli will not be without their own support after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and president of the club, paid for over 400 fans to travel to China for the game And Aitken believes that, as well as the experience in Ahli's squad means they won't be daunted by what awaits them on Saturday afternoon.

Roy Aitken

More from Sports News

Chelsea, Liverpool slip up in Champions League race

A dramatic day on Saturday in the Premier League had significant implications on the race for Europe, with wins for Brighton and Everton boosting their hopes while pressure mounted on Liverpool and Chelsea in their bids to qualify for the Champions League.
Wimbledon to introduce video review technology

Wimbledon will introduce video review technology this year that will allow players to challenge judgement calls made by the chair umpire, the Grand Slam's organisers said on Saturday.
Sabalenka defeats Ann Li at rain-hit Miami Open

World number one and newly crowned Indian Wells champion Aryna Sabalenka has survived a stern battle against her American opponent, grinding out a 7-6(5) 6-4 victory to reach the third round.
Draper, Ruud knocked out at rain-hit Miami Open

Britain's Jack Draper has suffered a surprise defeat to American Reilly Opelka in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday, while Ethan Quinn claimed the biggest win of his career by upsetting 11th seed Casper Ruud.
Alisson ruled out of Brazil squad due to injury

Alisson will miss Brazil’s international friendlies against France and Croatia next week after the goalkeeper was ruled out with an injury, the Brazilian Football Federation said on Friday.