Title: Esteghlal FC Confronts Al-Wehdat in Pivotal Asian Champions League Clash
In a crucial Group A encounter of the AFC Champions League 2, Iran’s Esteghlal FC is set to host Jordan’s Al-Wehdat SC this Wednesday at Tehran’s Shahid-e Shahr-e Qods Stadium. The match represents a significant test for both sides as they navigate the continental competition.
A Daunting Challenge for the Visitors
Al-Wehdat arrives in the Iranian capital facing a considerable hurdle, having lost four key players ahead of this vital fixture. The team’s preparations have been hampered by the absence of Firas Shelbaieh due to an ACL tear, Saleh Rateb, who is pursuing a career in the Libyan league, and Mahmoud Shwakat, who is currently hospitalized due to illness. Further compounding their challenges, striker Baker Kalbouneh remains sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in a domestic league match.
Seeking a Turnaround in Fortunes
Currently positioned at the bottom of Group A with zero points from two matches, Al-Wehdat is under pressure to secure its first victory in the tournament. The Jordanian club suffered heavy defeats in its opening games, losing 4-0 to Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq and 2-1 to the UAE’s Al-Wasl. A positive result against the formidable Esteghlal is essential to keep their hopes of advancing to the next round alive.
Despite these setbacks, the team carries confidence from a recent 6-0 victory in the Jordan Cup, a match where coach Jamal Mahmoud strategically fielded reserve players to build readiness for the upcoming challenge in Tehran. Al-Wehdat also draws on a relatively positive historical record against Iranian clubs in Asian competitions, having secured two wins, one draw, and one loss in their four previous encounters.
Key Players and Tactical Setup
The spotlight for the visitors falls on Nigerian striker Junior Ajayi, whose technical and physical form has seen a marked improvement. After scoring against Al-Wasl and influencing multiple goals in the recent cup match, Ajayi has become a pivotal asset for the team, especially given their shortage in the attacking front.
Tactically, Coach Mahmoud is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, a system that has proven compatible with the squad’s current composition. The lineup is also anticipated to see the return of Palestinian internationals Wajdi Nabhani and Amer Jamous, who were rested in the previous match following international duty.
As the stage is set in Tehran, this match is more than just a group stage fixture; it is a testament to the competitive spirit of Asian football, where clubs from across the region compete with honor and determination on the continental stage.