On Monday, September 15, Al-Ahli will face Nasaf Qarshi in the first match of the new AFC Champions League season. The game starts at 20:15 CET, and here’s a brief look at both teams.
Al-Ahli vs Nasaf Qarshi: Match Preview
Last season, Al-Ahli won the AFC Champions League, beating Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final for their first title. This year, they aim to defend their championship and start the season with a victory. The Saudi team has already had a strong start in their domestic league. They first secured the national Super Cup by winning against Al-Nassr in a penalty shootout. In the Professional League, they have had two matches: a 1-0 win over Neom and a goalless draw with Al-Ettifaq.
Nasaf Qarshi is deep into their season in the Uzbekistan Super League, currently leading the standings with 46 points after 21 matches. They have also claimed their country’s Super Cup. Last season, Nasaf Qarshi did not compete in the AFC Champions League, but this season they reached the playoffs and lost in the round of 16 to Al-Ain from the UAE, the eventual champions.
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Al-Ahli remains unbeaten in their last seven matches, with six wins and one draw.
- Nasaf Qarshi has won their last three matches, with only one defeat in their last twenty games.
- Al-Ahli has secured three consecutive clean sheets.
- The two teams last faced each other in 2016, with each winning once, both by 2-1.
Probable Lineups
- Al-Ahli: Mendy, Al-Khawsawi, Ibañez, Demiral, Majrashi, Al-Johani, Millo, Galeno, Kessié, Toney, Mahrez
- Nasaf Qarshi: Ergashev, Nasrullaev, Sultonmurodov, Gaibullaev, Golban, Sidikov, Victor da Silva, Mozgovoy, Rakhmatov, Stanojevic, Marusic
Prediction
Al-Ahli is favored to win this match. As the defending AFC Champions League champions, they have a strong team and will be playing at home. My prediction: Al-Ahli will score over 2.5 goals at odds of 2.