(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Two Capital clubs Al Jazira and Al Wahda are ready for 'difficult challenges' of the AFC Champions League group stages to be held on Monday.
Group A encounter will see Al Jazira go up against Saudi side Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. And in Group B action, Al Wahda take on Qatar's Al Duhail at Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium.
Both teams enter the Continental rounds after mixed fortunes in recent weeks. Al Jazira finally registered a long-awaited ACL victory by beating Al Gharafa but then lost the Arabian Gulf Cup match against less fancied Dibba.
Al Wahda, meanwhile, got humiliated in the ACL encounter against Lokomotiv Tashkent and then turned the heat on Al Ain in the Cup tie.
Al Jazira coach Henk ten Cate just hopes the 'Pride of Abu Dhabi' will be able to continue the winning momentum and stay on top of Group A. Their opponents Al Ahli too have clinched their first-round match against Tractor Sazi. The coach reckoned that playing away from home against a strong opposition is a 'difficult challenge'.
"It's interesting that we both won our first matches. So, it's going to be very difficult challenge for us. However, my players are in a good shape," Ten Cate said during a press conference in Jeddah on Sunday.
The coach, however, felt every team in the competition will go all out as ACL is a special tournament.
"Al Ahli are very strong team with lots of quality players. They may be a little out of form compared to start of their local season but they have lot of quality. The Champions League is different from everything. It brings out the best out of teams. It is a major competition in Asia. Every team want to participate and do well," Ten Cate added.
Back in Abu Dhabi, Al Wahda coach Laurentiu Reghecampf is confident ahead of the crucial game. Their opponents Al Duhail came from a goal-down to thump Zob Ahan 3-1.
"It is very important game. It won't be easy. We are ready for this game and our goal is to win," Reghecampf said.
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