Qatar international Hassan Haydos has been one of Al Sadd’s most consistent players down the years, and has stood out this season in a team full of quality. This season, Haydos has made a total of 19 appearances contributing seven goals in the league for his side that only fell to defeat on one occasion over the course of the domestic campaign.
Al Sadd’s number 10 has thrived on the wing this season, and has caused QSL defenders plenty of problems with his direct attacking play. Haydos had a major say in his side’s progression to the 2017 Qatar Cup final, calmly slotting away Sadd’s second goal of the match from the penalty spot in their 3-2 win over Al Rayyan.
It’s not only in front of goal that the Qatar international has impressed, with the 26-year-old also registering seven assists for his team-mates. This combination of power and pace, along with an eye for goal could be crucial as Al Sadd go about to defeat the two-time Qatar Cup winners.
It’s also likely that Haydos will be placed on penalty duty again for his side, and could make another telling contribution in winning yet another trophy for Al Sadd. Head coach Jesaldo Ferriera will be hoping his flying winger can deliver again on Saturday evening as Al Sadd look to lift their maiden Qatar Cup title.
Keeper al-Dossari available for Sadd
Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad al-Dossari has enjoyed fine form for the Wolves this season, and has been ever present in Jesaldo Ferriera’s team. The Qatari keeper’s assured performances in goal have ensured that Al Sadd have only conceded 23 goals in the league this season.
The Qatar international stopper missed out in his side’s Qatar Cup semi-final 3-2 win over Al Rayyan though suspension, but is expected to start for the final after serving his one game ban. Al Dossari has a commanding presence in the heart of the Sadd defense and head Coach Jesaldo Ferriera will be relying on the 27-year-old to shut down an El Jaish attack that scored 45 goals over the course of the season.
The Wolves number 1 has so far picked up 11 clean sheets this season, and will be eager to make that number 12 to deny El Jaish their second consecutive Qatar Cup crown.
Jaish banking on Rashidov to fire
Sardor Rashidov was El Jaish’s semi-final hero scoring a fine breakaway goal in the last minute against Lekhwiya to give his side a 3-2 win to book their place in their fourth consecutive Qatar Cup final.
It’s arguably been the Uzbekistan international’s best ever season in an El Jaish shirt with the former FC Bunyodkor winger scoring 14 goals in the league for Jaish, his highest ever tally as a professional. Crucially in the league Rashidov scored twice against Al Sadd this term, including a stunning consolation goal in a 2-1 defeat to Al Sadd.
It’s not only in front of goal that the tricky attacker has impressed, with the 25-year-old also registering six assists for his team-mates. Combined with his threat from set pieces and an eye for a spectacular goal, the Uzbeki could be a real threat to the Al Sadd defense.
Rashidov has had a fine season individually and has certainly realized the potential that El Jaish saw in him in the summer of 2015. Now Jaish’s number 10 is primed to make a real impression for his side, as Sabri Lamouchi looks to lift his second ever Qatar Cup with the soldiers.
Ababacar gets nod for Qatar Cup final
El Jaish goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar has enjoyed fine form domestically and abroad in the AFC Champions League, this season the Qatari stopper helped Jaish reach the semi-finals of the continental competition. The Qatari keeper is set to start in goal for the Soldiers, and will be targeting his second ever Qatar Cup trophy.
Khalifa has played second string to number one keeper Saoud al-Khater in the league. The former Al Kharaitiyat keeper has been given the nod in Cup competitions this season, and he has not let his side down when called upon. This was perfectly shown in the semi-final against Lekhwiya when the tallest player in the QSL used his height to great advantage pulling of a host of saves to help Jaish win.
Hassan Haydos (left) and Sardor Rashidov
