AL AIN // Zlatko Dalic has called on his players to seize the chance to realise their dream and reach the Asian Champions League final.
Al Ain, the only side from the UAE to be crowned continental champions, face Qatar's El Jaish in the first leg of the semi-final at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Tuesday. The return match takes place on October 18.
Al Ain have much to prove against El Jaish, since the Doha club defeated them twice earlier this year to open Group D with a pair of 2-1 victories. They eventually qualified as pool winners, with Al Ain finishing second.
See also:
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• John McAuley: Al Ain's Dalic wants reinforcements, starting with Al Shabab right-back
• Amith Passela: Zlatko Dalic expects a 'better prepared' Al Ain for the Asian Champions League semi-finals
• Comment: Al Ain presented a golden opportunity to win a second Asian Champions League title
Al Ain, Champions League finalists in 2003 and 2005 and then semi-finalists two years ago, are sure to use that as extra motivation, as the 2003 champions seek to make it a second successive final for a UAE club after Al Ahli qualified for the showpiece last year.
“We are so close, very close to our dream,” Dalic said. “But also so far from our dream. In front of us are two games against a very strong team, who defeated us two times. When we played in the group stages, we had the chance to fix our mistakes, but now we have two matches for the final, for glory.
“I’m aware what this game means for us. It’s a big game, big pressure, big everything for everyone tomorrow. But we must be calm, be careful, play our style. I know our team is ready. Of course we want to win against El Jaish and show that the two defeats are not the real situation.”
Dalic has question marks surrounding goalkeeper Khalid Essa, who injured his hamstring at the conclusion of Al Ain’s Arabian Gulf League opener against Baniyas on September 18. A late decision will be made on the UAE No 1’s fitness, however the Croat said he has complete confidence in back-up goalkeeper Mohammed Busanda. Busanda played in Thursday’s 5-2 league victory against Emirates club.
“I’m convinced my team will play a good game, especially because we spent the past two weeks together, trained together and played three games,” Dalic said. “I’m aware what this game means for Al Ain fans, but for me also, the coaches, my players.
“Our goal tomorrow will be to play a good game, hopefully win and not concede. We’ve big respect for our opponent, they won two times against us, but like always, I’m optimistic. I trust so much in my team and my players. I’m convinced we’ll play a very good game and hopefully will win.”
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