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Group C: Al Gharafa (QAT) v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai (UAE)

Group C: Al Gharafa (QAT) v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai (UAE)

Alkass Digital

AFC Champions League™ 2022 Group C leaders Al Gharafa SC will look to extend their lead when they face Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter between the West Asian sides on Thursday. 

The Qatari club secured their first win on Matchday Two and head coach Andrea Stramaccioni has urged his players to stay grounded and focused for the upcoming matches. “International competitions are different as compared to the leagues. The quality of opponents are higher so the team must be almost perfect and not make a single mistake. 


"We have shown that we are a solid team waiting for the right moment to be dangerous,” said Stramaccioni.Al Gharafa have scored twice without conceding after two matches but their defence will be tested by Shabab Al Ahli’s offence.


“It will be a tough game tomorrow. Our opponent has the characteristics and individual quality to make it a difficult match. In my opinion, they are the best team in front in terms of quality and skills. For us to be successful, we must give a perfect performance."“When you play six games in such a short time, you need players to be mentally ready. If you see our last game, our substitutes change the rhythm in front of goal.


"I need my team to be mentally ready all the time and continue playing with confidence,” explained Stramaccioni.It will be a crucial match for Mahdi Ali’s charges as Shabab Al Ahli sit in second place in Group C, two points behind Al Gharafa.


“It is important because you need positive points against the leading team. They are a good team technically but we are more experienced in this type of competition. We have analysed their matches and hopefully we can take advantage of their weak points,” said Ali. After coming off the bench to provide an assist for the equaliser in the last match, Yahya Al Ghassani said he is readily available to help the team when called upon.  


“I came on in the last minute but it didn’t affect me. I know my team needed me and I helped them. Honestly, we were not only looking for the equaliser but we wanted to win. We didn’t do that so tomorrow’s match is important because we need the three points,” said Al Ghassani.