Al Ain continued its preparations to meet Japan’s Yokohama Marinos on Saturday at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in the second leg of the AFC Champions League final, as Al-Zaeem is looking forward to winning the second continental title in its history, after the first in 2003.
The first leg in Japan ended in Yokohama’s favor 2-1 after Al Ain remained ahead until the 72nd minute, so Al-Zaeem needs to win by two goals to be crowned champion, while winning by one goal will refer the match to two additional halves and then penalty kicks.
For the Japanese team, a draw is enough to win the title, so the match requires careful calculations by both teams.
Technically, the return of Togolese Laba Kodjo to the ranks of the Al Ain squad is most likely, as the “leader” needs all his offensive keys in the match.
Laba appeared at a good level during the 62 minutes he played in the last match against Al-Wahda in the ADNOC League, and the statement of the Togolese striker after the 2-0 victory was noteworthy, as he seemed in high spirits despite being away from the last 5 Asian matches due to injury first, then for technical reasons, after he succeeded. Argentine coach Hernan Crespo’s plan is to play with a mobile striker, Moroccan Sofiane Rahimi.
Commenting on his participation in the final on Saturday or not, Laba said: “First, I am happy to return to playing after the injury, and the result of the victory over Al Wahda gives us greater confidence and motivation for the Asian final, and whether I play or not, we will all fight to win the title.”
Laba continued: We are all ready for the match on May 25, and we talked among ourselves as players about the necessity of preparing well for the match, and I am very confident in the Al Ain team.
Laba’s statement left me with great satisfaction, as he emphasized the wonderful atmosphere that the team is currently experiencing, and that everyone is united as one man for the benefit of Al Ain.
On the other hand, the fans’ interest in the match began early, and there was a consensus that May 25 would be a national day par excellence, as all the colors and flags of the clubs would be behind the UAE representative and its football ambassador.
The Japanese Yokohama delegation arrived in the Emirates, and was received at Al Ain International Airport by the Abu Dhabi Police Happiness Patrol, whose members presented roses to the players and the technical and administrative staff.
Members of the Yokohama Marinos team expressed their happiness at the warm reception provided by Abu Dhabi Police.