Al Gharafa will host Al Ain of the UAE in the second round of 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Elite (West Zone) at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The kick-off is at 9pm.

Al Gharafa had lost their opener to Iran’s Esteghlal 0-3 in Tehran.

Meanwhile, holders Al Ain were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Sadd at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Al Gharafa will look to make a comeback in the strong match against Al Ain and coach Pedro Martins will seek to address the negatives that may have recently crept in, whether in domestic competitions or AFC Champions League Elite, with the aim of achieving victory.

The Cheetahs also went down battling 2-4 to Al Sadd in Week 6 of Ooredoo Stars League.

Both Al Gharafa and Ain have top players in all positions and the match is expected to be strong and exciting both on the field, and on the sidelines between the two coaches. Both sides will push hard to collect the three points to enhance their chances of qualifying for the next round.

The AFC Champions League Elite draw saw the clubs being divided into two groups of 12 teams in the East and West Zones. The group stage will be held from September 16 to February 19, 2025, and each team will face eight different sides from its zone with four matches at home and as many away.

The best eight clubs will qualify for the Round of 16 and then the quarterfinals in Saudi Arabia from April 25 to May 4, 2025.