Qatar’s Al Duhail have a tough task on hand against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the semifinal (West Zone) of AFC Champions League 2022 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday, February 26, 2023. The kick-off is at 18:00.

Al Duhail had qualified for the semifinals for the first time in their history by defeating Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab 2-1 at the Al Thumama Stadium last Thursday.

Star Kenyan striker Michael Olunga scored Al Duhail’s both goals, while Saeed Al Rubaie pulled one back for Al Shabab at the death.

This is The Red Knights’ 11th participation in the AFC Champions League and their most prominent achievement previously in it was reaching the quarterfinals three times (2013, 2015 and 2018).

Al Duhail, who are currently leading the QNB Stars League standings, are now within one match of facing Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, who sealed their place in the final from the East Zone last August. The double-leg finals are scheduled for April 29 and May 6, 2023.

It may be recalled that Al Duhail had made it to the quarterfinals by defeating Al Rayyan 7-6 on penalties after the teams were tied 0-0 at the end of regular time and 1-1 at the end of extra time.

On the other hand, reigning champions Al Hilal made the semifinal cut by overcoming Iran’s Foolad Khouzestan in the quarterfinal, with Moussa Marega scoring the all-important goal in the 87th minute.

Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo realizes that the task will be difficult against Al Hilal, but he also knows that his wards are capable of pulling it off and go the full distance.

Both teams have stars in all departments of the game and Crespo’s opposite Ramon Diaz will also surely have strategies up his sleeve.