ACL Elite: Mancini tells Al Sadd to ‘seize opportunity’ in crunch Al Ittihad clash

Doha, Qatar: Qatar giants Al Sadd face a must win showdown tonight against Saudi Arabia s Al Ittihad at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, as they fight to sec...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar giants Al Sadd face a must-win showdown tonight against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, as they fight to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite Round of 16.

Coached by Roberto Mancini, Al Sadd are currently eighth in the West Zone, tied on eight points with domestic rivals Al Duhail and UAE’s Sharjah FC. A win is crucial if they are to keep their top-eight hopes alive.

Al Sadd have been in impressive form domestically, topping the Qatar Stars League with a series of wins. In continental action, they bounced back last week with a 2-0 victory over Tractor FC.Coach Roberto Mancini

But their opponents, Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad, are formidable. They crushed Al Gharafa 7-0 in their previous match and have already sealed qualification for the knockout stage. They sit fifth in the standings with 12 points.

“Facing Al Ittihad will be another difficult match for us, but it is important to achieve a win,” Mancini said at a press conference yesterday.