Al Hosni confident ahead of ACL final

Al Hosni has scored four goals in eight appearances to help last season’s Saudi League runners-up secure a place in Saturday’s final at Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

And with Al Ahli having lost their only other continental final appearance in 1986 as Korea’s Daewoo Royals recorded a 3-1 victory to claim the Asian Club Championship title, Al Hosni is determined to avoid a repeat on Saturday.

“We are confident and even though it will be a difficult match, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said the 28-year-old.

“Ulsan are a very strong team and they deserve to be in the final. They have very good strikers and they have scored many goals, but if we play well we can win.”

Having finished second in their group behind Iran champions Sepahan, Al Ahli have already tasted success away from home after edging out UAE Pro League side Al Jazira on penalties in the Round of 16 following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra-time.

Al Ahli then held Sepahan to a goalless draw in Tehran in the first leg of their quarter-final before posting a convincing 4-1 win in the return fixture with Al Hosni scoring for the second consecutive game in the competition having netted the crucial equaliser in normal time against Al Jazira.

And with both legs of their semi-final with local rivals Al Ittihad being played at the same venue in Jeddah, Al Ahli were able to post a 2-1 win on aggregate to secure a place in the final.

“It will be difficult playing away from home,” added Al Hosni.

“But we have done well in away games in the competition against Al Jazira and Sepahan so we have a lot of confidence.”