Manama: Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan has described his team’s upcoming AFC Champions League 2 Group B clash against Bahraini side Al Khaldiya as a tough challenge. The match takes place on Wednesday in Manama.

According to Qatar News Agency, Biscan stated at a pre-match press conference that Al Khaldiya are the strongest team in the group and currently top the standings, making them difficult opponents. “Al Ahli is in Bahrain to achieve a positive result and improve our position in Group B,” he added.

Biscan emphasized that Al Ahli performed well in their previous match but were held to a draw. He stressed that the key now is to secure a result that will help them progress to the next stage. “We will play with full focus to earn the three points,” he said.

Al Ahli player Julian Draxler also highlighted the importance of the fixture. “It won’t be easy. Al Khaldiya are a strong side, but we will concentrate on delivering our best performance and returning to Doha with the desired result,” he said.

The two sides played to a goalless draw in their first meeting in Doha. Currently, Al Khaldiya lead Group B with four points, followed by Al Ahli with three, Uzbekistan’s Andijon in third, and Turkmenistan’s Arkadag fourth with two points. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 16.