KUALA LUMPUR: After retaining their Oman Professional League crown, Al Seeb want to end their season with a second title by winning the AFC Cup.
Al Seeb, who had their entire 2020/21 season wiped out by Covid-19, are the first club from Oman to reach the AFC Cup final, and they hope to beat KL City at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
After topping their group, Al Seeb narrowly defeated Kuwait's Al-Arabi and Bahrain's Al-Riffa to reach the final.
With six players in the Oman national team ranked 71 spots higher than the Malaysian national team, Al Seeb will go into the final as the favourites to land the coveted trophy.
However, coach Rasheed Jabar feels the final will be an even contest as both teams bid to cap their debut campaigns by lifting the trophy.
"It's the same for both teams. We're reaching the final for the first time," said Rasheed.
"It is an important match. It has been a long road. It will be a tough match as KL is a good team with good players.
"They have really good players like Paulo Josue, Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Romel Morales and Akram Mahinan.
"They have got good individuals that can make a difference in this match.
"We've seen them in the (inter-zone) semis and final, and any of them can make a difference in this match."
Rasheed has reminded his players to remain focused throughout the final and has prepared his side to be ready for all scenarios.
"You can expect anything from the match. They're a well-organised team, so we have to prepare for everything. Small details can change the game.
"There are no favourites in the final, anyone can take it (the title).
"It's about how you mentally prepare yourself for all eventualities."
Midfielder Daniel Ajibola, who joined Al Seeb from Kuwaiti club Al Sahel in July, said the venue's grass pitch is unfamiliar.
"We have to adapt to the grass pitch from the first whistle.
"However, we trained on grass pitches for the last few days and things look good."
Among Al Seeb's key players are captain Eid Al Farsi, Ahmed Al Siyabi and Muhsen Al Ghassani.