Mahdi Ali says momentum with Shabab Al Ahli as they face Ahal in Asian Champions League

Shabab Al Ahli manager Mahdi Ali has said he will not settle for anything but top spot in Asian Champions League Group C.

The Dubai club are on a roll after thrashing Al Gharafa of Qatar 8-2 as they go into their penultimate group phase match against Ahal of Turkmenistan at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Friday.

The win over Al Gharafa was their first victory after three draws and Mahdi Ali has urged his players to use the momentum to take them forward.

“Our focus is on being in first and not second position. To do that, we must win the final two matches,” the Emirati said.

“The last match gave us positivity and excitement but we need to stay focused and continue the momentum. It won’t be an easy game and we have to fight for the important three points.

“We did very well in the last match but if we don’t win tomorrow, then the result will be for nothing. The players know that and they are ready.”

Ahal goalkeeper Rasul Charyyev has been one of the standout performers for the debutants and he is determined to continue his consistent form against the fluid attacking of Shabab Al Ahli.

“There is no pressure because we prepared well before our arrival to Jeddah,” he said.

“Even while we are here, we have had good training sessions to prepare for the teams we are playing against. This is the first time we have played in the competition and we have been waiting for the moment to gain more experience.

“We have two more matches remaining and all of us are excited to play, to take it step by step and to give our best."

Ahal manager Rovshen Muhadov believes his side is ready to spring an upset.

“We want to get the points in the last two games,” he said. “We have done our analysis and we know where we can