Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada during a training session yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno said his side are confident and in good rhythm as they prepare to open their AFC Champions League Two campaign against Jordan’s Al Faisaly at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium today.
The challenge is a significant one, with Al Faisaly twice winning the competition in 2005 and 2006. The Jordanian club, the country’s most successful with 35 league titles, are making their 11th appearance in the tournament.
“We are eagerly looking forward to playing against Al Faisaly. We know we are facing a good team and that it will be a very difficult match, but we are playing at home and are determined to secure a win,” Moreno said at the pre-match press conference.
Al Rayyan have made a strong start to the Qatar Stars League, collecting 10 points from their four opening matches. Moreno said their domestic form has provided confidence, but stressed that the focus must now shift to the continental challenge.
“Our past results give us confidence, but those matches are over. Our focus is solely on tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Al Rayyan have conceded only two goals in the league and Moreno believes they have also shown promise in attack.
“We have a very good defence and a very good attack as well. We have conceded only two goals in the league, but we always want to improve. We have created plenty of chances in recent matches and need to capitalise on them,” he said.
The Spanish coach also acknowledged the different nature of the continental competition and backed his players to rise to the occasion.
“It is a different competition. We respect the opponent greatly and I have immense confidence in my players. If we want to win tomorrow, we must be at our very best,” Moreno said.
Midfielder Julien De Sart said Al Rayyan have high ambitions for the tournament.
“We expect a tough match. We know we must give our best in every game to stand a chance of winning. It is an honour to play in the AFC Champions League Two and we have great ambition. We will take it one match at a time and aim to go as far as possible,” he said.
Al Rayyan are returning to the competition for the first time since their 2010 debut.
Group C also features Oman’s Al Nahda and Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun.
The AFC Champions League Two, formerly the AFC Cup, was revamped under its current name in 2024/25.
The 2026/27 edition features 32 clubs in eight groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the Round of 16.
