DUBAI: Twenty-four hours after landing in Morocco, Al-Ittihad’s first team squad resumed preparations ahead of its clash with Raja Casablanca in the delayed 2020 Arab Club Champions Cup final — also known as the Mohammed VI Champions Cup — on Saturday.
Al-Ittihad’s Brazilian coach Fabio Carille took Wednesday’s training session near the hotel in the capital Rabat, where the delegation from Jeddah is staying, with Abdullah Al-Hafiz, the defender on loan for a season from Al-Wahda, joining his team-mates for the first time.
Al-Ittihad's Egyptian international defender Ahmed Hegazi. (Supplied)
Thursday’s second session is expected to see the squad focus on technical exercises, while Friday will see Carille put the final touches to the formation expected to take to the pitch at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium the following day. Only five of the club’s foreign players will be permitted.
Al-Ittihad will go into the final in confident mood after a 3-0 win against Al-Raed on Monday night in the second round of Saudi Pro League at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Al-Ittihad took the lead through Fahad Al-Muwallad’s 7th-minute penalty after Al-Raed Brazilian defender Rene Santos handled the ball.
Egyptian international defender Ahmed Hegazi doubled the lead with a header after 15 minutes, and Romarinho scored the third minutes before the break to end any remaining hope for the visitors.
Carille’s team kicked off the season in disappointing style by losing 1-0 to Al-Fayha last week.
