Al Sailiya, Al Rayyan eye AFC Champions League group stage
Doha, Qatar: Al Sailiya and Al Rayyan eye AFC Champions League group stage but both the Qatar teams are up against Iranian sides and will have to face tough opposition to make the premier Asian competition.
Sailiya take on Shahr Khodro, with the winners to make their debut in the AFC Champions League’s group stage.
Al Sailiya finished third in the Qatar Stars League last year to move within a game of advancing to the Continental competition and boast Iranian international Karim Ansarifard in their ranks.
Shahr Khodro, meanwhile, came fourth in the Iranian Pro League and edged past Bahrain’s Riffa 2-1 in Preliminary Round 2 on Saturday.
Rayyan meanwhile, are against Iranian powerhouse Esteghlal, who overcame Kuwait SC 3-0 in Preliminary Round 2.
Al Rayyan, meanwhile, are aiming to qualify for the 10th time although they have never been able to make it beyond the group stage.
The pair last faced off in the 2018 group stage, with the game in Doha ending 2-2 and Esteghlal winning 2-0 in Tehran as the Iranian side advanced and Al Rayyan exited.
