Majidi The Ace In Al Ain's Title Quest

AFC - Iranian international Farhad Majidi could be the key to Al Ain’s title hopes when they face Thailand’s BEC Tero Sasana over two legs in this month’s inaugural AFC Champions League Finals. The UAE club signed Majidi from Al-Wasl in August on a one-year loan deal. It proved to be a masterstroke with the Iranian star making an immediate impact.

The 26-year-old, brought in to cover for injured African striker Boubacar Sanogo, scored the goal that helped Al Ain reach the AFC Champions League Finals.

His 87th-minute strike away to China’s Dalian Shide in the second leg semi-final meant that Al Ain prevailed 7-6 on aggregate despite losing the match 4-3.

Al Ain face BEC Tero Sasana at home in the first leg on Friday before travelling to Bangkok for the return leg on October 11. Majidi is confident he can help Al Ain become the first club to win the prestigious title and at the same time raise the profile of football in UAE.

“The Asian football title is for the entire nation to rejoice,” he said. “I am confident Al Ain has the fire-power to win it.”

Majidi is one of Iran’s brightest stars and among the most successful players in the UAE league over the past two seasons.

He scored 11 goals in each of the last two seasons for league champions Al-Wasl of Dubai and steered them to last season’s President Cup final, in which they were beaten 2-1 by Al-Wahda.

Before Al-Wasl, Majidi played with top Iranian team Esteghlal Tehran and was also a target of crack Austrian side Rapid Vienna. Majidi is likely to lead the attack against BEC Tero Sasana alongside Brazilian Rodrigo Mendes, who also scored against Dalian.

Al Ain decided to take a chance on Majidi after Sanogo was injured during the club’s training camp in Italy.

Sanogo had scored twice in Al Ain’s 4-2 first-leg victory over Dalian and his injury, at the time, was a bitter blow to the club’s AFC Champions League hopes.

However, the arrival of Majidi has revitalised the club and the striker is ready to repay the faith shown in him.

The AFC Champions League is enjoying a successful inaugural year in 2003 and is the most prestigious competition for Asian clubs.