JEDDAH, 21 February 2005 — Al-Ahli play Al-Wedad of Morocco today in a crucial Arab Champions League return match here.
With four points after drawing their first four matches, Ahli face an uphill task of having to win their last two home games including the one against C.A. Bizertin of Tunisia if they were to qualify outright from Group D into the quarterfinals.
The game in Morocco ended in 1-1 draw. Ahli take to the field today looking to put behind them the embarrassing defeat by Second Division side Al-Watani of Tabuk last Friday in the Crown Prince Cup. Al-Watani won on penalty kicks 5-3 after the sides were tied 2-2 in regulation and extra times.
Tomorrow, another Jeddah-based squad, Al-Ittihad, host Ahli of Qatar.
Ittihad have all but clinched a spot in the round of eight. Whether they finished first or second in Group B is all a matter of formality. Ittihad are on top of the group with 9 points and Ahli second place with 7 points. Ittihad lost the away match 3-2.
Also tomorrow, Al-Hilal, the third Saudi team in the premier soccer event, will travel to Jordan for a Group C match against Al-Faisali of Jordan. Hilal, in second place with 7 points, are hoping to advance with a victory against tailender Al-Faisali with a mere one point.
