The AFC Champions League West Zone tournament is reaching its final moment this Saturday, as Al-Nassr Riyadh and Persepolis Tehran will meet for the semifinal in Qatar.
After three intense weeks of football at the 2022 World Cup venues in the Gulf country, West Asia is preparing for a quality clash that will determine which team will play the East Zone champion in December.
Despite the high quality of organization that has been displayed in Qatar, the Al-Hilal - COVID-19 incident will be remembered as the one that influenced the tournament the most, as Asia saw arguably the best team in Asia being withdrawn after a severe coronavirus hit to their delegation.
While Al-Hilal fans keep moaning at the AFC, there is a fantastic final this Saturday.
On one side, Al-Nassr, who is looking strong with the addition of the 2018 South American player of the year, Gonzalo Pity Martinez from Atlanta United. Pity’s transfer to the Riyadh club was reported first time in English in BabaGol.
On the other side, Persepolis, the reigning Iranian champions, is quite a surprise in this stage. Although they haven’t impressed throughout the tournament, they managed to create a few shocking victories in Qatar. A hammering 4-0 against Sharjah, a combative 0-1 against local and strong side Al-Sadd and a definitive display against black horses Pakhtakor in the quarterfinals.
Persepolis main man in these game was Isa Al-Kasir, a no-name for most Asian football followers who managed to score four goals, the last three of them crucial, since he joined Persepolis from Naft Sanat only two and a half weeks ago.
The AFC Champions League West Zone final, which is the competition’s semifinal, will be a great football match to watch.
Photo via Al-Nassr social media account.
