After AFC Asian Cup triumph, Qatari clubs in focus at Asian Champions League

Qatar created quite a flutter on the continental footballing scene when it emerged as victorious in the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE recently.

And now, with the AFC Asian Champions League tournament set to kick off today, the focus will be firmly on Qatari football clubs looking to make an impact, reported Gulf Times.       

The continental club championship will see Qatar's Al Duhail looking to become the first club from West Asia to claim the title since fellow Al Sadd in 2011. They have already made waves on the transfer market.

Coached by Jose Mourinho’s long-time assistant Rui Faria, they have made some sensational signings.

Just days after signing Moroccan international defender Mehdi Benatia from Juventus, Al Duhail splashed a record $40m to capture highly rated Japanese international winger Shoya Nakajima from Portugal’s Portimonense.

Last year, Al Duhail had clinched nine wins on the trot and almost qualified for the final four stages. Al Duhail is joined Al Sadd, semi-finalists last year, and Al Rayyan.

Al Rayyan will take on Saudi Arabia’s two-time winners Al Ittihad today in a Group B clash while Al Sadd, impressive last season with Xavi Hernandez at the heart of midfield, face another Saudi side, Al Ahli, in group D tomorrow.

Al Duhail, meanwhile, begins their campaign against Iran’s Esteghlal on Tuesday in group C, which also features former winners Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, reported Daily Times.

Al Rayyan will take on Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad today in Jeddah.

The Saudi side are two-time AFC Champions League winners, having lifted the trophy in 2004 and 2005, but they have been less of a force in recent years and exited at the group stage in their last appearance.

Al Ittihad is enduring a difficult season in the Saudi Pro League and currently sit in the bottom two, but go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Jeddah rivals Al Ahli on Friday.

Tournament regulars Al Rayyan are set to make their ninth appearance in the competition, although they have yet to progress beyond the group stage.

They defeated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Saipa 3-1 in the play-off round to qualify for the tournament but have lost both their Qatar Stars League games since and are fourth in the table.

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Cover Image Credit: Gulf Times