Al-Ittihad's Must-Win Rally Against Nasaf: A Legend Calls for a Turnaround

Match Preview

Hamad Al-Muntashri, the former Al-Ittihad star, reaffirmed his confidence in the team's ability to surmount Nasaf as the two sides prepare to meet on Tuesday evening.

Al-Ittihad Jeddah will host Nasaf Qarshi at the Enmaa Stadium, in the sixth round of the Elite division of the AFC Champions League for the 2025-2026 season.

In a televised interview, Al-Muntashri said Al-Ittihad can beat Nasaf; if they fail to win against a points-less opponent, then the Owls may bow out.

Stakes and Form

Al-Muntashri warned the Elite Asia tally leaves no room for further slips, and all remaining group games are within reach.

Coach Sergio Conceicao’s side should look brighter after a recent UAE camp, during which he emphasized higher physical intensity, even if the warm-ups sometimes faced easier opposition.

Additionally, Al-Muntashri added: The Nasaf match does not allow halves; we must win, and after the UAE camp I can’t justify any loss.

With Conceicao at the helm, the team sits eighth in the group with five points, while the Uzbek side sits bottom, twelfth, without a point.

Al-Muntashri’s remarks came as the clash looms, with Nasaf currently at the foot of the table and Al-Ittihad striving to climb.

Punchline 1: If this game ends in a draw, the coach will call it victory by strategy—coffee with extra sugar.

Punchline 2: If Al-Ittihad wins, the city will celebrate; if not, optimism might require a larger halftime snack.