Sharjah, Shabab Al Ahli face off in ACL; Al Sadd, Al Nassr enter last 8

Sharjah FC will consider themselves favourites when they welcome UAE rivals Shabab Al Ahli for the return leg of their AFC Champions League Two 2024/25 quarter-final on Wednesday.

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Caio Lucas' strike ensured Sharjah walked away from the first leg on level terms and will -- with home ground advantage -- look to secure a semi-final spot.

Sharjah would have been satisfied with the draw as they held their own despite Shabab Al Ahli having home ground advantage, outshooting their rivals nine to eight with three on target.

Denying their local rivals a place in the semi-finals will be a perfect boost for Sharjah, who trail leaders Shabab Al Ahli by seven points in the UAE Pro League. Shabab will not be lacking confidence despite having to contend with Sharjah's partisan fans.

Especially crucial to their hopes will be Sardar Azmoun, with the Islamic Republic of Iran star in fine form-having netted five times in his last three matches to lead the AFC Champions League Two scoring chart with nine goals.

Meanwhile, Akram Afif produced a virtuoso performance to spark Al Sadd SC to a 3-1 win over Al Wasl FC as the Qatari side advanced to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 with a 4-2 aggregate victory on Monday.