Al-Ahly opt for Iranian contingent against Uzbekistan giants Pakhtakor Tashkent

MEF - DUBAI, Nov. 18: Iranian attacking weaponry will be at the centre-stage of Al-Ahly’s home leg fixture against Uzbek outfits Pakhtakor Tashkent in Dubai on November 27, this has been revealed today by popular daily Al-Ittihad.

The local Reds, who will start the game needing a home victory by one-goal margin after trailing their opponents 3-2 in the away leg of the Asian Champions’ League fourth round action, are close to land Iranian international striker Javad Kazemian, according to the paper.

“He is expected to be here on Tuesday to finalize things with Al-Ahly officials, a move aiming at filling the gap of departed Moroccan international forward Rabih Al-Afawi, currently on national duty with his country for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers,” added Al-Ittihad today.

If everything went fine, Kazemian will be lining up with national team mate Ali Karimi at home against Pakhtakor Tashkent, the Iranian pair is enjoying a fabulous companionship at the international stage for more than 2 years now.

On a different note, Al-Sha’ab have turned down a 7-month loan offer from Moroccan international striker Abduljalil Hadda ‘Camacho’ to join the side for a $250,000 fee, this has been unveiled by Al-Ittihad today.

“The tip was given by his current team mate at FES Morocco, Andulrahim Shaklit, who enjoys good relationship with Al-Sha’ab officials” added the paper.

Al-Sha’ab, whose efforts to land Colombian marksman Ricardo Peres (formerly at Saudi giants Al-Hilal) ended on a dismal note, are also being reportedly active in talks with Abedi Pele’s brother, currently playing his club football in Portugal.

Abedi Pele, the celebrated Ghanaian footballer, spent 2 brilliant seasons at local giants Al-Ain in the late 90s, soon after leaving French club Olympique Marseille.