DOHA (Qatar): Qatar is all set to host the AFC Champions League East Zone phase as a centralized venue when the month-long tournament starts from tomorrow.
Australia’s Perth Glory take on China’s Shanghai Shenhua FC in the opening game at the Education City Stadium.
“It gives utmost satisfaction to the LOC to align with the AFC and bring to Qatar the distinguished East Zone phase of the AFC Champions League after successfully hosting the West Zone phase,” said Khalid Al Kuwari, Qatar Football Association’s Marketing and Communications Director.
15 teams will contest across 40 matches to decide the finalist, who will play Iran’s Perspolis in the final here on December 19.
The West Zone competition was held here between September 14 and October 3.
“The 2020 East Zone AFC Champions League LOC and the AFC are cooperating in a dynamic manner and are ably supported by the Government of Qatar in matters such as COVID safety and testing protocols,” added the Qatari official.
Injury woes for Shanghai Shenhua FC
The Chinese outfit will finally begin their quest for continental success, but the team has injury worries with several of their players arrived in the Qatari capital nursing injuries.
“We just finished our Chinese Super League season and we have some problems with injuries,” said head coach Choi Kang-hee, who led Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to Asian glory in both 2006 and 2016.
“For us, our team selection is incomplete. It’s a pity, but our first target is still to advance to the knockout stage and we need to work hard together to achieve our target.”
However, their opponents are embarking on only their second ever match in the competition, with their first bringing a 1-0 away defeat to FC Tokyo back in February.
Cristian Ola, who is serving as the team’s head coach in Qatar, conceded his side’s preparation hasn’t been ideal.
“It’s definitely a different approach for each of the teams,” said Ola. “Yes, we had a very short pre-season preparation period which we need to accelerate in some ways, but on the other hand we are aware of the national competitions and fixtures of the other teams in our group.”
