Wakrah face tough task against Taawoun

Al Wakrah will have no margin for error when the Qatari side host Al Taawoun in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two last 16 tie on Wednesday at the Al Janoub Stadium. Wakrah snuck into the knockout stage as the runners-up of the three-team Group A while Al Taawoun soared to the Group B top spot.
Al Wakrah’s 2024 Qatar Cup triumph meant a return to continental competition for the first time since 2002, when they featured in the Asian Club Championship. Progression to the knockout stage was secured after overcoming a tough challenge, with the two-time Qatar champions finishing just a point ahead of Tajikistan’s FC Ravshan of Tajikistan and will head into the tie plagued by inconsistency on the domestic front.
Al Taawoun, on the other hand, had the look of champions in Group B as the side from Saudi Arabia topped the standings with 15 points. Their recent domestic form, however, has been indifferent but Al Taawoun will believe they have the quality to extend their stay on the continental stage.
Wakrah head coach Poya Asbaghi expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, saying: “We have a good opportunity to prepare for the match since our last local league match. The motivations are different here as we are competing in a continental championship, and we need to prove our worth. We are facing a strong team, but we are ready for the challenge.”
Asbaghi emphasised the importance of giving their best performance: “Our players will rise to the occasion. We’ve played several matches against Saudi clubs before. They are usually favourites to win, but the reality of these matches has been different. We have good motivations and talented players. I ask our players to give 100% effort.”
The coach also highlighted the significance of playing in a continental tournament, noting: “It’s great to compete in a tournament beyond the league. I want to stress that the two losses in the league don’t matter in this competition. After this match, we’ll focus on the local league again. The match against Taawoun will be intense, and we know the stakes in continental competition. We need to be fully prepared and represent Qatari football in the best way possible.”
Al Taawoun coach Mohammed al-Abdeli said: “We are fully prepared. We know it will be a difficult, high-stakes game. I want the players to enjoy the match. We have top-level players, both local and international. The last 16 is different from the group stage. We are focused on this first leg and aim to put in a strong performance and secure a result that will help us in the second leg at home.
“The period leading up to this match was tough for us, but now we are fully focused on the continental competition and will do our best to achieve our goals.”