Al Gharafa aim to go all the way in the Emir Cup in the hope of erasing their disappointment of finishing outside the top four in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) earlier in the season.
The Panthers finished their league engagements in fifth place thereby missing out on the four-team Qatar Cup and also a direct spot in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Emir Cup.
But they should face no problems when they clash with Mesaimeer in the third round of Qatar’s most lucrative tournament today. A victory for them means they will get to challenge the big four and potentially deliver them their eighth title.
Nobody can doubt the Panthers have pedigree. Their seven Emir Cup crowns and numerous other domestic titles are testimony to the fact that their legacy in the history of Qatar football is secure.
But their last Emir Cup success came in 2012 after which they have gone off the boil, something they would like to change this season.
“We have not been winning titles of late but nobody can say we have not been competitive,” coach Habib Sadeq said yesterday.
“We gave everybody a tough fight in the Qatar Stars League and with a bit of luck could have finished in the top four,” he added. Sadeq replaced Perdo Caixinha after the Portuguese coach left Al Gharafa for Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers towards the final stages of the Qatar Stars League.
“The players are gelling very well, they are not short of motivation. They know Al Gharafa have won the Emir Cup several times in the past and are keen to give it their best shot,” he added.
Meanwhile, Al Sailiya who ended their league engagements in eighth spot, take on Al Khor in the second Emir Cup third round match today.
Al Sailiya coach Sami Trablesi was confident ahead of the match saying his team would do all they could to secure qualification to the quarter-finals.
“The Emir Cup gives slightly lesser teams the chance to show their mettle against the established sides,” said the Tunisian. “Knockout tournaments are like a lottery. Anything can happen on a particular day,” he added.
Emir Cup third rd. fixtures:
Today
Al Gharafa vs Messaimeer
Al Sailiya vs Al Khor
Tomorrow
Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Ahli
Umm Salal vs Al Shahaniya
Al Gharafa coach Habib Sadeq speaks to the media yesterday. Right: Al Sailiya coach Sami Trablesi.
