Al Sadd determined to defend title

Al Sadd coach Stavros Mikonatis said his team is keen to defend the Amir Cup basketball title when they take on Al Ahli in the final on Thursday at the Gharafa Sports Club. The final will be played today at 7:00pm.
Al Sadd, who topped Group 1, reached the final defeating Qatar Basketball League champions and pre-event favourites Al Rayyan 81-78 in the semi-finals, while Al Ahli defeated Al Wakrah 82-70 in the second semi-final. “We can compensate for our failure to win the Qatar Basketball League by lifting the Amir Cup and we will put in our best effort to clinch this prestigious trophy,” Mikonatis said.
“Al Ahli is in the final after playing some tough matches and we are aware of their strength,” added the coach.
Both the teams are meeting for the second time in the tournament as Al Sadd had defeated Al Ahli 79-62 earlier in the group stage. “Al Ahli are strong but we will go all the way to win the title and this is our only aim,” Al Sadd player Faisal Nabil Abuissa said.
Al Ahli coach Manos Manouselis was also upbeat of his team’s chances. “My team is just a win away from winning the title after giving an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Al Sadd are a good team but we are ready to challenge them,” Manouselis said.
Al Ahli player Ndoye Elhadj Seydou feels it will be a tough final. “It is a difficult challenge but we have players who can do well against Al Sadd and make our fans happy. We deserved to be in the final and now all the players are looking for title triumph,” Seydou said.