Amman: Jordan’s Al Wehdat face a mountain to climb ahead of the second-leg of the AFC Cup West Zonal Semi-final against Al Wahda on Tuesday, with the Syrian visitors holding a commanding 4-1 lead from the first-leg.
Al Wahda netted three second-half goals two weeks ago to ensure they go into the return fixture as strong favourites to progress to the Zonal Final against either holders Air Force Club or Al Zawraa, both of Iraq.
Al Wehdat
The Jordanian side advanced to the knockout rounds unbeaten, having won three and drawn three in topping Group C. Monther Abu Amara’s first-leg equaliser meant Al Wehdat were looking good at the interval, only for things to dramatically fall apart in the final 30 minutes.
A minimum of a three-goal winning margin is now required on Tuesday but the Amman-based side can take heart from the fact they have a perfect home record in the competition and a vocal support that generates an intimidating atmosphere.
Amara has been on fine form in the tournament, having scored four goals in seven games, and Al Wehdat will again be looking to their talisman for inspiration.
But the midfielder cannot do it all on his own and will need Baha’ Faisal Mohammad, among others, to rediscover the form that saw the forward bag two in the final three group games.
Al Wahda
Runners-up in the inaugural AFC Cup in 2004, Al Wahda put in a dominating display in the first-leg and have now scored 10 goals in their last two games.
Mohamad Al Hasan gave the Syrian side a first-half lead and, after Al Wehdat leveled, Raje Rafe came off the bench to score a late brace following Mohamad Al Ghabbash’s own goal.
Raje is now his team’s top scorer with three goals but captain Osama Omari is key to Al Wahda’s success, with the midfielder having assisted two goals and created 21 chances in the tournament to date.
Omari also has two goals to his name, as do Mohamad Al Hasan and Mohammed Fares. Should any of the quartet find the back of the net once more, the task could prove insurmountable for Al Wehdat.
Suspensions: None
Al Wehdat (JOR) v Al Wahda (SYR
Venue: King Abdullah II International Stadium, Amman
Kick-off: May 30, 23:00 UTC+3
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com