In a decisive Asian evening, Al-Zawraa team looks to secure a ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFC Champions League, as they visit UAE's Al-Wasl in the second leg of the Round of 16, relying on their advantage from a first-leg victory (3-2) in the match held at Al-Zawraa Stadium in Baghdad.

The technical staff, led by Egyptian coach Emad El-Nahas, understands that the second-leg match is entirely different from the first leg, especially with Al-Wasl's desire to turn the tables on their home ground and among their fans. Therefore, El-Nahas held an important meeting with his players, during which he set three main pillars to secure qualification and continue the continental journey.

First: Securing the defenses and enhancing the back density

El-Nahas emphasized the need to close spaces in front of Al-Wasl's key players, whether through the flanks or from the center, stressing the importance of supporting the central defense duo Akam Hashim and Abdullah Naseeb with a third player to give the system greater solidity.

The absence of Maytham Jabbar will affect the defensive options, but the coach may assign midfielder Hussein Falah an additional role to enhance coverage and perform doubled defensive duties, in a step aimed at reducing the danger of the hosts.

Second: Caution in the first minutes

El-Nahas explained to his players that the first quarter of an hour will be pivotal, expecting a strong offensive rush from Al-Wasl in search of an early goal to restore balance to the accounts.

The coach stressed the importance of high concentration and tactical discipline from the whistle's start, with readiness to make quick changes in case of any signs of fatigue or technical decline, to avoid conceding goals that might disrupt qualification plans.

Third: Defense starts from attack

The absence of Colombian striker Bryan Riascos, the star of the first leg, forced the technical staff to redistribute the attacking roles. El-Nahas asked the substitute striker to perform early defensive duties and press Al-Wasl's defenders to prevent easy attack building.

The coach also focused on exploiting counterattacks and set pieces, considering them an important weapon that might give Al-Zawraa a goal to enhance their first-leg advantage, while maintaining defensive balance as a priority and avoiding haste in advancing.

Al-Zawraa is currently Iraq's sole representative in Asian competitions, after Al-Shorta exited the elite AFC Champions League, which gives tonight's encounter double importance, not only for the club but for Iraqi football in general.