Al Sadd started preparations for the home leg of their AFC Champions League quarterfinal against Iran’s Esteghlal, to be played on 17th September.

The players went through their paces under Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira. Al Sadd had defeated Al Shahania 3-0 in the QSL Cup on 9th September.

The Qatar internationals and ace Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah are expected to join the squad soon after their country commitments.

Al Sadd had won the first leg against Esteghlal 3-1 in Tehran and are almost into the semifinals.

Al Sadd have won the continental competition in 1989 and 2011.