“I'm grateful for being here at this stage of the AFC Champions League. It's a big experience for me and for the other players. 

“We’re really excited and looking forward to the game tomorrow,” said Cools, who moved from Czech Republic club FK Jablonec in 2023. 

“The players are well prepared, and we're focused on how far we can go and how we can continue to develop.”

Cools, in his second season with Buriram, spent his formative years with OH Leuven, Club Brugge and Midtjylland.

However, he is fully aware of the challenge a strong Al Ahli pose but the 28-year-old believes the Thai club have what it takes - having already defeated the likes of Korea Republic sides Ulsan HD and Pohang Steelers as well as Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim enroute to the quarter-finals. 

“It's a tough challenge, but it’s also a good chance to see where we stand as a team. We know it's going to be difficult, but we have trained very hard. Everyone is very positive, and we’re giving our best to succeed.

“I want to play a good game, but the result is more important. We are focused on getting a good result in the end.”