By Ian Griffiths
November 16 – Al Hilal striker Omar Khribin is adamant that his rich vein of goalscoring form will count for nothing when the Saudi Arabian giants take on Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the first leg of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League final on Saturday.
Khribin already has nine goals to his name in this year’s competition, an impressive return that included a hat-trick against Persepolis in the semi-finals as Al Hilal booked a return to the final for the first time since their 2014 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers.
Those goals, coupled with the 10 strikes he notched for Syria during their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, have naturally earmarked the 23-year-old as one of the key men to watch at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium.
However, despite his heroics in the final third, Khribin is acutely aware that winning Asia’s premier club competition is far more important than personal glory.
“Yes, I have enjoyed a good spell in front of goal but that won’t matter if I can’t help my team win the title,” the former Al Mina, Air Force Club and Al Dhafra favourite told the AFC’s official website.
“Every player on this continent dreams of playing in the [AFC Champions League] final.
“I am pleased with my club form this past year but victory against Urawa will be my greatest achievement yet,” he added.
Al Hilal have yet to be beaten during the AFC Champions League’s latest edition, although that record is potentially under threat courtesy of an Urawa side who dispatched regional heavyweights Shanghai SIPG in the last four. Not that a confident Khribin is overly concerned.
“Urawa are a team of equals, they don’t just rely on a few good individuals,” the Damascus-born forward said of the 2007 title winners.
“From attack to defence, they work as a unit. Against Shanghai, the Japanese defence did an excellent job at containing the main threats.
“Al Hilal are similar in many ways, but we have the best players. Everyone is focused on the title and we believe that this year the trophy belongs to us.”
Al Hilal v Urawa Red Diamonds
AFC Champions League Final First Leg
Venue: King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh
Kick-off: November 18, 19:15 UTC+3
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