DUBAI // Abdullah Al Naboodah, the Al Ahli chairman, says progression to the Asian Champions League final is reward for the long-term plans put in place by the club four years ago.
On Tuesday, the Dubai side qualified for the continental competition’s showpiece for the first time in their history, defeating Al Hilal 3-2 at the Rashid Stadium to seal the semi-final 4-3 on aggregate. Kwon Kyung-won’s injury-time goal proved decisive after Ahli had earlier surrendered a two-goal lead.
During Al Naboodah’s tenure, the club have won the 2013/14 Arabian Gulf League – their first top-flight title in five years – the 2012 and 2014 Etisalat Cups and the 2013 President’s Cup.
Now, focus shifts to the Champions League crown, with Ahli to play Guangzhou Evergrande, the Chinese side who lifted the trophy two years ago, over two legs next month.
“I never lost hope in the players, even in the second half, which was tough on them,” said Al Naboodah, who received congratulatory phone calls from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Ahli president.
“After all, the club’s motto is to fight until the end, and four years ago it had set a plan to achieve a number of championships.
“The club won all the local championships, but failed to qualify for last season’s Asian Champions League by one point. We are happy with qualification, but from this point on, we should set our mind on the final.
“This qualification is an achievement for Al Ahli as it is a first in our history, but our ambitions do not end here. There is still an important milestone awaiting us – the title – and we will not stop until we get there.
“We should step up our efforts to win the championship and honour all of the UAE, whose banner we now play under.”
Ahmed Khalil, the Ahli captain who has scored six goals en route to the final, thanked the club board for their support, adding: “Our qualification to the final is our payback for the great efforts that were made to lead us to this point.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
