Al-Duhail faces Iraqi Police in a decisive Asian Champions League qualification match
Asian football fans, particularly those in Qatar and Iraq, will be glued to their screens tomorrow, Monday, as Qatari club Al-Duhail travels to Baghdad to face Iraqi side Al-Shorta. The highly anticipated match will take place at Al-Zawraa Stadium as part of the eighth and final round of the West Zone group stage in the 2025-2026 AFC Champions League. For Al-Duhail, a win is crucial.
A final chance for "The Flood" to save the continental season
Al-Duhail enters this match with a "do or die" mentality, as the team remains at the heart of a fierce battle to secure a place in the knockout stages (Round of 16). This match comes after a hard-fought previous round, where the Qatari team fought fiercely and managed to return with a valuable 1-1 draw against Sharjah of the UAE, keeping their hopes alive until the very end. Al-Duhail's coaching staff understands that any slip-up in Baghdad could mean an early exit from the tournament, which puts immense psychological pressure on the players, who are expected to deliver their best performance.
Iraqi police: Seeking a consolation victory and reconciliation with the fans
In contrast, the Iraqi Police team enters the match with entirely different calculations. Despite their hopes of qualifying being officially dashed after their recent 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan's Nasaf, and having managed only two draws in their last seven matches, the "Green Harp" is striving to end their continental campaign with a morale-boosting victory. The Iraqi team aims to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to secure their first win in the tournament and attempt to erase the negative image left by their weak defensive performance this season.
Alarming figures and conflicting motives
Statistics point to significant challenges for both sides. Al-Shorta suffers from a clear defensive crisis, having conceded 10 goals in their three home matches – the highest number among all participating teams – tempting Al-Duhail's attack to apply early pressure. However, Al-Duhail's ambitions are hampered by their away form, as the Qatari team has only managed one victory in their last 11 away matches in the continental competition, in addition to conceding at least two goals in each of their last three away defeats.
The importance of the event in the regional context
This match takes on special significance due to the new format of the AFC Champions League, which has intensified the competition and increased the value of the prize money, making every point extremely valuable. Furthermore, playing in Baghdad, amidst the passionate and vocal atmosphere for which Iraqi fans are known, represents a true test of Al-Duhail's mental fortitude and their ability to handle pressure in crucial moments.
