QNB Stars League’s sixth-placed team Al Gharafa are gearing up for their AFC Champions League home play-off against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor on Tuesday.

If Al Gharafa win, they will be clubbed in Group A, which also comprises the UAE’s Al Jazira, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and Iran’s Tractorsasi.

The players, under the guidance of Turkish coach Bulent Uygun, are going through their paces in earnest as the team management and fans are eagerly looking forward to see The Cheetahs in action in the tournament proper.

Al Gharafa had lost 0-4 to Al Sadd in Week 14 of the QNB Stars League and are on 17 points.

Al Gharafa’s Deputy Football Head Saad Al Shammari said, “The Al Sadd chapter is closed and the disappointment is behind us. We are now preparing well for the Pakhtakor match.”

Qatar’s Al Duhail, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan had qualified directly for the group stage.