Al Quwa Al Jawiya begin their Asian elite journey with tough match against Neftchi

Al Quwa Al Jawiya begin their continental campaign tomorrow, Monday, September 14, when they visit Neftchi Fergana at the Markaziy Stadium in Fergana, in the first round of the group stage of the AFC Champions League.

The match kicks off at 4:45 PM Baghdad time.

The Falcons face a challenging match ahead, especially given the current circumstances surrounding the team domestically, despite entering the tournament as the champions of last season's Iraqi Premier League.

Al Quwa Al Jawiya enter the match with shaken morale after their recent loss to rivals Al Zawraa, suffering a 1-0 defeat from a goal scored by Hiran Ahmed. This result has increased the pressure on the coaching staff and players.

Despite a decline in results domestically and some technical and administrative issues, the Asian championship represents a different window for the Falcons.

The appearance in the "Elite" carries a special significance, and the team is required to prove that the league title was not a fluke, and that it is capable of representing Iraqi football in a manner befitting its history.

Sources within the team have confirmed that the coach emphasized the need to temporarily put the league behind them and focus fully on the Asian encounter as an opportunity to regain confidence and revive the players' spirits.

The task becomes more difficult as the match is held away from home. The Estiqlol Stadium in Fergana is known for its tough atmosphere and strong fan support, along with the home advantage and weather conditions that may pose an additional challenge.

Neftchi enter the match looking to exploit home advantage and the support of their fans for a strong start in the tournament. They have players capable of scoring quickly if given space.

The management and coaching staff have conveyed to the players that this tournament is an opportunity to reconcile with the fans. Al Quwa Al Jawiya has a great history on the continent, and a commendable appearance in the Asian elite could be the beginning of a return to the right path despite a poor domestic start.