Al Ahli coach Henk Ten Cate has targeted success in the ACL to make amends for a poor campaign in the UAE League.

The Dutchman took charge of the UAE League champions earlier this month but, with the club out of their domestic title race, Ten Cate has set his sights on continental success - starting with a win over Iranians Mes Kerman in their first Group D game tomorrow.

"Last season we won two trophies but this year we've had many ups and downs and we are not going to win the title this year," he said.

"That means we are now concentrating fully on the Asian Champions League to compensate for our lacklustre domestic performance."

Mes Kerman coach Luka Bonacic has called on his side to tighten up in defence if they are to come away with a positive result.

The hosts are fighting against relegation in the Iran Pro League and will look at the continental tournament to provide some respite from their domestic woes.

"After getting the result we want from Wednesday's game, we'll then focus again on the domestic league matches to try to survive," said Bonacic.

"I have been trying to reinforce the defence. I know we have conceded many goals already but I'm still working on this weakness."

Meanwhile, Al Hilal coach Eric Gerets is hoping to make an immediate impression in the group by guiding the Saudi side to a dominant win over Qataris Al Sadd in the group's other game.

"We have come here to collect the points so that we can make a positive start to this year's Asian Champions League, a tournament that is very important to us," said the 55-year-old Belgian.

"This is a tournament we are very keen on winning."

Al Sadd coach Cosmin Olaroui, who previously had spell in charge of Al Hilal, is hoping his knowledge of the club could give his side the edge.

"They are a very experienced side. They have scored a lot of goals this season, which always gives confidence to any side," he said.

"They have many trophies. I have seen them play at all levels and they are the biggest threat to any team, anywhere in Asia. I think it will be a great game."