08-04-2025
Al-Taawoun looking for positive result in first leg of ACL 2 semi against Sharjah in Buraidah
RIYADH: Saudi's Al-Taawoun host the UAE's Sharjah in Buraidah, this evening at 9pm, in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two semifinal.
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The home team is aiming for a positive result before the return leg in Sharjah next Tuesday.
Led by coach Mohammed Al-Abdali, the team is counting on the strong run it has enjoyed in the tournament, having topped Group B, which included Bahrain's Khalidiya, Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Tajikistan's Abtyn Asir.
In the Round of 16, Al-Taawoun eliminated Qatar's Al-Wakrah after two 2–2 draws in the home-and-away legs, advancing with a 4–3 penalty shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Iran's Tractor Sazi Tabriz following a 0–0 draw in Iran and a 2–2 draw in Buraidah, winning the shootout 4–2.
As for Sharjah, they topped Group C, which featured Jordan's Al-Wehdat, Iran's Sepahan Isfahan, and Tajikistan's Istiklol Dushanbe. In the Round of 16, they won the first leg 1–0 against Jordan's Al-Hussein Irbid, lost the second leg by the same score, and advanced with a 3–0 shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they drew both legs 1–1 with Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai and advanced 5–4 on penalties.
Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu is hoping to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in the UAE.
Sharjah currently sit second in the UAE Pro League with 41 points, eight behind leaders Shabab Al-Ahli. They have qualified for the UAE President's Cup final — where they will face Shabab Al-Ahli — but were eliminated from the Abu Dhabi Bank Cup after a semifinal loss. Al-Taawoun currently lie seventh place in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with 37 points.
