GOAL, citing special sources revealed to the Saudi newspaper "Arriyadiyah", reported that tensions had flared inside the Al-Ittihad camp just hours before their AFC Champions League Elite third-round match away to Uzbekistan hosts Navbahor Fergana. The match at the Fergana Stadium was scheduled to kick off at 04:45 pm Mecca time.
Camp decisions before kick-off
GOAL, citing special sources revealed to the Saudi newspaper "Arriyadiyah", reported that Jens Wissing decided to delay naming his starting line-up until the final technical meeting. GOAL, citing special sources revealed to the Saudi newspaper "Arriyadiyah", reported that Jens Wissing dropped Saleh Al-Shehri and Rakan Al-Kaabi from the match squad entirely.
Al-Ittihad's position before the game
Al-Ittihad sat 11th with a single point before the match. They had drawn 1-1 against Al-Shamal of Qatar and lost 2-1 to Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE before the match.
Navbahor's position before the game
Navbahor were seventh with 3 points before the match. They had beaten Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya of Iraq 1-0 and lost 3-1 to Al-Nassr before the match.