AFC Champions League: Al Rayyan Eyes First Win against Al Wahda Tomorrow

Goa/ India, April 19 (QNA) - Al Rayyan SC of Qatar and United Arab Emirates Al Wahda FSCC will both be searching for their first win when they meet in Group E of the 2021 AFC Champions League at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams have not enjoyed the best of starts to their 2021 campaign and with just a point to show after two matches, neither can afford anything less than a win on Tuesday. Al Rayyan, who faced FC Goa in their Group E opener, were also left frustrated by the hosts in a 0-0 draw but worse was to follow against Persepolis on Saturday. The Qatar Stars League side took the lead against Persepolis in the first period but a second half collapse saw them conceding three times. Laurent Blancs side are now in a desperate position but the Frenchman has promised an improved performance against Al Wahda. "We definitely played poorly in the second half against Persepolis and now we have to improve against Al Wahda," said Blanc. "Tomorrow is another game and I hope my team play with intensity because we need to win, it is important to us and were ready to do that." "Matchday Three is the halfway point of the group stage and its very important for all the teams. If you perform well, youll be on your way but if you dont then it will cause problems further down the road," he said. "My plan is always the same. It doesnt matter who we play, Goa, Persepolis or Al Wahda, the most important thing is to score goals and that is our target. If we score one goal, we have to defend that lead so it is best to score more than one," he added. Al Wahda started their 2021 campaign on a losing note after a lapse in concentration saw them lose 1-0 to Islamic Republic of Irans Persepolis FC. Henk ten Cates men showed promise against FC Goa in the early stages of their Matchday Two encounter but the Indian Premier League side stood firm to force a goalless draw. A win against Al Rayyan, however, will put Al Wahdas AFC Champions League campaign back on track and ten Cate has urged his team to be fully focused. (QNA)