The Iranian team is scheduled to play the Qatari club in Group C at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
“They have a very well-known coach (Andrea Stramaccioni) and one of the best international players from our country (Saeid Ezatolahi),” Nekounam said.
“We must focus on their key players because we know they have the potential to change the result in an instant. I think the match will be a thrilling encounter,” he added.
Al-Gharafa coach Stramaccioni also expects his young charges to raise their level against Foolad.
“We need to raise our level and mentality and put our younger players in a different situation because the experience of playing in the AFC Champions League will make them grow.
“In a way we have nothing to lose because this is a starting point and not the point of arrival,” said the Italian.