DOHA (Qatar): Pride will be at stake for Qatar Stars League champions Duhail SC when they face Al Sadd in the Amir Cup semifinals on Saturday at their home ground.
Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi, who joined the team recently, said that he is aware of the importance of Amir Cup besides their opponent.
“I know everything about the players and our rivals. I just hope we deliver a good performance against Al Sadd,” Lamouchi said at a press conference on Thursday.
“We lost to Al Sadd in the league but that does not mean this is a revenge match. It will be a tough match for sure. There is no doubt about it.”
Duhail has changed three coaches last year, but without any desired results barring the QSL title. Lamouchi also didn’t change the squad and the team has mixed results in the ongoing QSL.
“We need to be positive on the pitch. That’s what’s required in front of a strong side like Al Sadd,” said Duhail coach.
Team captain and Qatar international striker AlMoez Ali hoped his team will fight to seal a place in the final.
“This is a big tournament. We are the defending champions. We will fight to keep extend our status as champions. Yes, we are very ambitious,” Almoez said. “It will be a tough clash because two high quality sides are competing.”
We consider this a final, says Sadd coach Xavi
“We got a two-day break, which is the players deserved, especially after they made a great effort in the last period,” Al Sadd coach Xavi said.
“The Amir Cup is a different competition. We are in the semifinals and we consider this a final against a strong and difficult Al Duhail team. We have faced them a lot and we will give our best, especially as they will look for revenge after losing to us last week in the league.
“It will be a complicated match. We must play with a strong personality in order to win this tournament, which is dear to everyone in Qatar.
“Al Sadd players must focus and work on achieving their mission, which is to reach the final,” he said.
“Our ambition in this competition is to win the title. We are one of the favourites to win the championship. We see this match as the final. We must play with all our strength and more, to achieve this title.”
