The veteran Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, manager of the Saudi Al-Nassr team, announced the complete readiness of the "Global" squad to host their Turkmen counterpart, Arkadag, in the anticipated match that will take place on Wednesday evening, as part of the second leg of the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2, a tournament in which the Al-Nassr team seeks to advance towards the title.

Jesus's statements regarding preparations and rotation policy

During the pre-match press conference, Jesus spoke realistically about the upcoming match, saying, "We won the first leg, but our opponent will be strong in the return leg, and we are determined to win and advance in the AFC Champions League." These statements underscore the coach's respect for the opponent despite Al-Nassr's advantage, emphasizing the need for a decisive victory in the second leg to secure qualification.

In a related context, the coach pointed to the physical challenges the team faces due to the relentless fixture schedule, adding: "We play matches every three days, which requires a great deal of effort. Therefore, we will be rotating the squad, which is why we couldn't field our strongest lineup in the Asian Champions League." Jesus's rotation policy is considered essential in modern football, especially for clubs competing on multiple fronts, both domestically and continentally, to avoid fatigue and muscle injuries that could cripple key players at crucial points in the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo's stance and message to the fans

Jesus addressed the situation of the team captain, specifically mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo's age and clarifying the player's physical condition. He said, "Omar is different from the other players and has exerted a great deal of effort in previous matches. We will determine his participation after today's training session." This caution from the coaching staff stems from the immense value the Portuguese star represents and his direct impact on the team's results, necessitating careful management of his fitness levels to ensure he maintains his current level of performance.

Jesus concluded his remarks with a direct and heartfelt message to Al-Nassr's fans, acknowledging the crucial role of their support in Asian competitions. He said, "My message to the fans is to come out as you always have. Their presence boosts the players' morale and pushes them forward, and we always need their support." It is well known that Al-Nassr's fans play a pivotal role in motivating the players, especially in knockout matches that demand mental focus and unwavering moral support throughout the ninety minutes.

It is worth noting that the AFC Champions League 2, with its new format, represents an important opportunity for Saudi clubs to enhance their continental leadership, and the Arkadag match is an important milestone for Al-Nasr to confirm its superiority and seriously compete for the continental title.

In a strategic move reflecting the desire to maintain its golden achievements, the management of Al-Khaleej Saudi Handball Club officially announced the renewal of the contract of the first team's star player and international player, Mujtaba Al-Salem , to continue defending the colors of "Al-Dana" until 2029. This decision comes to enhance the stability of the technical and administrative team, and confirms the absolute confidence in the player's leadership and technical abilities that he has shown during the past years.

A remarkable career and exceptional potential

Born in 1994, Mujtaba Al Salem is a cornerstone not only of Al Khaleej Club but of Saudi handball in general. Playing as a right back and playmaker, he possesses exceptional vision on the court and remarkable ability to penetrate and shoot, making him a valuable asset in crucial moments. His recent form has been outstanding, playing a pivotal role in leading the team to domestic and continental championships.

Perhaps the most prominent of his recent achievements was in the 2024 IHF Men’s Super Globe (World Club Championship) hosted by Egypt, where Al Salem delivered world-class performances and was among the top scorers and most influential players in the tournament, drawing attention to the development of Saudi handball and the strength of Al Khaleej Club as a representative of the Asian continent.

Gulf dominance and the context of renewal

The news of Mujtaba Al Salem's contract renewal cannot be separated from the overall context of Al Khaleej Club's current situation. The team is experiencing what can only be described as a "golden age," having reigned supreme in Asia by winning the AFC Champions League title and dominating domestic competitions (league, cup, and super cup) in consecutive seasons. This long-term extension, until 2029, sends a clear message to its local and regional rivals that Al Khaleej is determined to maintain its dominance and will not let go of the stars who have forged this glory.

Expected impact and future of the team

Retaining the services of a player of Al Salem's caliber and experience is a guarantee for the team's continued upward trajectory. The presence of experienced players alongside young talents ensures the transfer of knowledge and preserves the team's championship identity. Domestically, this stability will enhance Al Khaleej's chances of retaining its titles amidst fierce competition from Eastern Province clubs and other major teams. Internationally, maintaining the core of the team strengthens the ambitions of "Al Khaleej's Grip" to go far in upcoming international competitions and improve the global ranking of Saudi clubs.

In conclusion, this contract embodies the club management’s professional vision for planning for the future, placing its full confidence in Mujtaba Al Salem as an inspiring leader within the hall, to continue making history and bringing joy to the broad Gulf fans.

Cairo, the Egyptian capital, witnessed a major sporting event today, eagerly anticipated by football fans across the African continent: the draw for the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. The results heralded a new phase of fierce competition, placing Arab clubs in challenging matches and direct confrontations that offer no room for error, promising high-level matches both technically and in terms of fan engagement.

Fiery clashes in the African Champions League

The draw for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals produced some early finals, with the most anticipated and heated clash being between giants Al Ahly of Egypt and Esperance of Tunisia. This match is a true African classic, given the long and exciting history between the two clubs in continental competitions, making it a focus of attention not only in Africa but worldwide.

In a related development, the draw pitted Egyptian club Pyramids FC, the defending champions, against Morocco's FAR Rabat in a tough encounter that pits Egypt's ambition to retain the title against Morocco's desire to reclaim past glories. Meanwhile, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns will face Mali's Stade Malien, while Sudan's Al-Hilal will clash with Morocco's RS Berkane in a always fiercely contested and exciting Arab-African derby.

Zamalek and Wydad face Confederation Cup challenges

The Confederation Cup draw was no less intriguing, pitting Egyptian giants Zamalek against Congolese side Otoho in a potentially tricky encounter. The White Knights will be looking to overcome this challenge against an underdog African team that often springs surprises on home soil. Meanwhile, in an all-Moroccan clash, Wydad Casablanca will face fellow Moroccan side Olympique Safi, guaranteeing a Moroccan team a place in the semi-finals, while simultaneously eliminating another.

The draw also resulted in a tough match for USM Alger against Congolese side Maitema, while Al Masry of Port Said will face a strong North African derby against Algerian side CR Belouizdad, in a match expected to draw a large crowd due to the overwhelming popularity of both teams.

The importance of the event and the historical context

This edition of the African championships is particularly significant due to the close technical levels between North African and sub-Saharan clubs, as well as the substantial financial incentives offered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to the winning teams. The numerous all-Arab clashes in these rounds reflect the dominance of North African clubs in continental football, adding a special layer of excitement to the matches given the historical rivalry and intense competition between clubs from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria.

The fact that these clubs have reached the knockout stages confirms the success of sports development plans in their countries, and presents the fans with a rich football feast that will determine the features of the continent’s champions for this season, amid international anticipation to follow the African talents for whom these tournaments are often the gateway to global professionalism.