The second leg of the Zonal semifinals is set to commence in the West and ASEAN Zones in the AFC Cup 2018. Here is what awaits us this week:
WEST ZONE:
Al Faisaly (JOR) v Al Jazeera (JOR)
Al Faisaly are at home in an all-Jordan Zonal semifinal on Monday against Al Jazeera. The first leg had finished 1-1 after Lukasz Gikiewicz's goal cancelled out Musa Al Taamari’s fabulous individual goal for Al Jazeera.
Now that Al Faisaly have an away goal, Al Jazeera have to score to progress to the next round. A goalless draw will only suit the home team. Mahdi Alameh returns from suspension for Al Faisaly, but Syrian international Mardek Mardikian is ruled out for Al Jazeera after he was sent off in the first leg last week.
Both teams are coming off defeats in the domestic league but one can be sure sparks will fly in this clash.
Venue: Amman International Stadium, Amman
Date: May 14, 20:00 UTC+3
Al Ahed (LIB) v Air Force Club (IRQ)
Defending champions Air Force Club travel to Lebanon to take on Al Ahed in the second leg of their Zonal semifinal clash. Air Force Club won the first leg 3-1 and are in complete control ahead of this tie.
Al Ahed needs to win by at least a two-goal margin and ensure Air Force Club do not score in order to go through. But the defending champions raise their game in big matches and will be tough to take down. For Al Ahed, key attacking midfielder Hassan Chaito and defender Khalil Khamis return from suspension, while Iraq international Humam Tareq is also available for Air Force Club.
Venue: Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Beirut
Date: May 15, 15:00 UTC+3
ASEAN ZONE:
Persija Jakarta (IDN) v Home United (SIN)
Indonesia's Persija Jakarta face Singapore's Home United at home in a tense ASEAN Zonal semifinal second leg on Tuesday. The first leg finished 3-2 in favour of the Singapore side and Persija will be desperate to turn the tables this time around.
The fact that they have a couple of away goals will be a boost. So, a 1-0 win should be enough for them to go through. But the visitors have now won four games in a row on the continent. Also, they will now welcome Faizal Roslan back from suspension for Tuesday’s match.
It should make for a tense encounter that promises a lot.
Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta
Date: May 15, 18:30 UTC+7
Yangon United (MYA) v Ceres Negros (PHI)
Myanmar's Yangon United have a tough job on their hands as they welcome Philippines' Ceres Negros on Wednesday for the second leg of their Zonal semifinal tie. The first leg ended 4-2 in favuor of Ceres Negros and they are in control of the tie.
Yangon United will be counting on the two away goals they have in their kitty which means a 2-0 or 3-1 result will see them through at home. But it won't be easy against an opponent who is very experienced at this level.
Venue: Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon
Date: May 16, 15:30 UTC+6:30
