Al Ittihad remain convinced they can overturn Al Ain’s advantage and make the AFC Champions League semi-finals, according to coach Khalid Al Koroni.

The Saudi Arabians face an uphill task at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium, after falling to a 2-0 defeat last Tuesday.

Prior to the first leg, Al Ain had not beaten them in four previous meetings in the competition. Al Koroni hoped the 2004 and 2005 winners will be able to get back to winning ways tonight.

“We have no other option but to win by at least three goals if we want to advance,” he said.

“We have prepared the team perfectly for the match and I have a lot of trust in the team that we can make a good comeback.

He added: “The match is decisive because we have only one option and we must get a good victory if we want to remain in the competition.

“Al Ain are a good team but they won the first leg because we made mistakes and they couldn’t score in the first half.”

Ittihad’s task in the opener was stiffened after summer signing Didier Ya Konan was ruled out. The former Hannover 96 forward is yet to make his competitive debut for his new side, after also missing the Saudi Professional league victories against Al Faisaly and Al Fateh.

He has been declared fit for the quarter-final decider, with the the Ivory Coast international revealing Ittihad’s determination to succeed.

“The match will be very hard, but we are hopeful that we can win and qualify,” said Ya Konan. “Al Ain are an excellent team but we want to make a good comeback. “I’m ready for the match and the coach will decide if I’ll be playing.”