AFC Champions League Quarter-final
• First leg Wednesday, 8pm | Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha
• Second leg September 14, 8.45pm | Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Brush up on Al Nasr’s Asian Champions League opponents El Jaish from the Qatari Stars League before their first-leg tie on Wednesday night in Doha.
Background
Came through a tricky play-off at Iran’s Naft Tehran to seal a place in Group D. Once there, El Jaish went on to win it, triumphing in three and drawing one of their six matches, including successive victories against Al Ain. Qualified for their first quarter-finals by defeating compatriots Lekhwiya 6-4 on aggregate.
Star player
Sardor Rashidov
A key man for both El Jaish and the Uzbekistan national team, the former Bunyodkor forward is both physically imposing and technically proficient. Rashidov mixes strength with pace, forever willing to test opposition goalkeepers with his fearsome left foot. Made the switch from Bunyodkor to El Jaish last summer and soon repaid the Doha side’s faith, playing a pivotal role in their runner-up finish in the Qatar Stars League. Rashidov netted nine times in 23 matches, but his ability to also create for colleagues marks him as one to watch. Has considerable Champions League experience, too, while he scored in the last-16 aggregate victory against Lekhwiya. A constant threat.
Key men
• Romarinho: Much onus falls on the Brazilian forward in the absence of prolific strike partner Abderrazak Hamdallah, but his 32 goals in 59 matches for the club underlines his talent.
• Seydou Keita: Joined the club just in time to be registered, and brings serious experience earned during spells at Sevilla, Barcelona and Roma. Calming presence in midfield.
Manager
• Sabri Lamouchi: Following a successful playing career in Europe, the former French midfielder moved to the dugout in 2012 as manager of the Ivory Coast national team. An unsuccessful 2014 World Cup prompted Lamouchi to take the reins at El Jaish, whom he guided to a third-placed finish and then second in the Qatari top tier. Won the Crown Prince Cup in April.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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