Qatar’s Al Rayyan take on Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol in their opening match in Group A of the 2022 AFC Champions League on Friday, 8th April. The match will kick off at 20:15 at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.

Al Rayyan embark on their campaign in the latest edition of the premier club tournament with high expectations. Reigning champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Sharjah FC of the UAE are the other teams in Group A.

Al Rayyan are playing in this year’s AFC Champions League by virtue of having finished third in the 2020-2021 season QNB Stars League, behind champions Al Sadd and runners-up Al Duhail.

Al Rayyan coach Nicolas Cordova would seek to help his wards regain their confidence, produce some good results and qualify for the next round.

Al Rayyan have a number of standout players, most notably Yacine Brahimi, Yohan Boli, James Rodriguez, Fahad Younes, Ali Malallah and Hashem Ali.

Iranian defender Shojae Khalilzadeh was omitted from the squad due to his muscle injury.

Meanwhile, Istiklol will also strive to achieve a positive result and that will make it an exciting contest.

Al Rayyan will face Al Hilal on 11th April and Sharjah FC on 15th April in the first leg.