Sadd, Arabi aim to end season on a high with Amir Cup title

Head coach Juanma Lillo said Al Sadd were confident going into their Amir Cup final against Al Arabi at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday, which will kick off at 7pm. Sadd had a disappointing QNB Stars League as they finished third behind champions Al Duhail and Arabi as they failed to defend their title.
Now Sadd are focused on winning the final game of the season, which incidentally is the most prestigious match in Qatar’s football with a full house expected today for the match.
“We have been preparing for this crucial match for a long time. It holds great significance for us, and our objective is to emerge as winners. I consider myself fortunate to lead a team comprising exceptional players who possess all the necessary abilities to secure victory and claim the title,” Juanma said yesterday.
Sadd have faced Arabi thrice this season, winning two and losing one. The last encounter between two teams was last Monday, when Arabi beat Sadd in the final league match. But Juanma had not started eight of the regulars for that match, hoping to keep them fresh for the Amir Cup final.
Juanma said both teams are familiar with each other’s style of play so there would be a surprise element to today’s game. “When we have control over the ball, the opposition struggles to regain possession. This provides us with stability on the field, enabling us to initiate attacks and reach the opponent’s goal while limiting their options to threaten our own. This is the ultimate objective for any team. We are fully aware of the significance of this match. Every Al Sadd player carries a great responsibility, and our aim is to claim the title,” the Spaniard said.
Captain Hassan al-Haydos felt Sadd were not the favourites for the title and would face a formidable challenge from Arabi. “Our team is fully prepared for the upcoming match. We have fine-tuned our preparations, and I am hopeful that the game will live up to the occasion, with the esteemed presence of His Highness the Amir,” the forward said.
“We have a significant opportunity to secure the prestigious title. Despite not being the favourite, Al Sadd faces a formidable challenge in the final. Our players are well-equipped to handle the pressures of such a crucial match, and we will approach the game with a positive mindset,” al-Haydos said.
Al-Haydos added he was playing in the Amir Cup final for the 10th time and considered it an immense honour. “I always approach it as if it were my first final, and our collective efforts are directed towards achieving victory and claiming the title,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Arabi will hope to overcome the heartbreak of missing out on the league title to Duhail and win their first Amir Cup title since 1993. Younes Ali’s men finished two points behind the champions despite defeating Sadd 2-1 in the last round match.
Arabi have punched above their weights this season but have no silverware to show for their efforts. Ali said his team wanted to end the season on a high. “The team is determined to give their best and win the coveted trophy. It is a great honour for any team to take the trophy from His Highness The Emir,” the Arabi coach said yesterday.
“It will be a difficult match but our morale is high and we are ready. We are looking forward to giving a winning performance and ending the season with a triumph. We are going through a good phase and I am hopeful the team will give its best,” he added,
Arabi’s prolific striker Omar al-Somah said he and his teammates have a huge challenge ahead of them if they have to beat Sadd. “We will have to work very hard to beat Al Sadd. It will require a great effort from all of us to win the Amir Cup. There will be no room for complacency at any stage of the final. Every one of us is aware of the big responsibility and we are fully prepared. We want to win the title and make our fans happy,” al-Somah added.