In a blockbuster clash, two of the Qatar’s biggest clubs Al Sadd and Al Duhail will lock horns in the Amir Cup final on Saturday at 7pm at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
After having won the Qatar Stars League, Sadd are gunning to win the prestigious title, while Duhail are aiming to qualify for the AFC Champions League by clinching the Amir Cup. Sadd’s coach Wesam Rizik described the semi-final against Duhail as an ‘early final’
“It’s a tough match for both teams, essentially an early final. It’s a significant challenge against Al Duhail, and success will depend on our attention to detail. We are well prepared and committed to giving our best to secure a spot in the final,” he said.
“We have the ambition to reach the final and clinch the cup, to keep alongside our league title. The players of Al Sadd possess resilient characters, and we want to maintain the momentum after winning the league title and participating in the Qatar Cup. Our focus is now on the Amir Cup.”
Regarding the impending departure of the team’s star Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah at the season’s end, the coach commented: “Baghdad Bounedjah epitomises dedication and loyalty throughout his career. He’s a role model and a fighter who consistently contributes to the team’s success. Every journey has its conclusion, and his timely announcement served as a morale boost for him and the players to persevere in the Amir Cup. We wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
Rizik stressed: “We are concentrating on the match against Al Duhail and we are not having any discussions about the final. We will exert maximum effort and utilise all available team members to secure victory and advance to the final.”
He further mentioned: “Our captain Hassan al-Haydos has been a pivotal player for both the club and the national team, and he plays a crucial role in every match. Although he did not play against Al Wakrah, we expect to see his involvement in the semi-final. He remains an integral player for the team.”
Duhail’s head coach Christophe Galtier admitted that while his team’s league performance was below par, he is confident that the team is focused on the Amir Cup. “I took over the job at a sensitive time and needed time to adapt and create harmony and understanding with the players, and this had a clear impact on the team. We started poorly in the league, but we have improved in recent matches,” Galtier said. “The players are now focused on the Amir Cup, and everyone is optimistic.”
“Everyone knows the importance of the tournament, as it enjoys a large attendance and followers, whether locally or abroad, and there is an exceptionally positive atmosphere within the team, and everyone is optimistic.”
The coach continued: “During the last match, we showed a fighting spirit and succeeded in coming back twice, and we were not satisfied with that, but we achieved victory.”
Galtier emphasised that winning the Amir Cup is now the team’s main objective. “The Amir Cup is our main goal now,” Galtier said. “We are two steps away from winning the title, and it is important not only for the players but for everyone at the club. This is our last chance to salvage our season. During the last match, we showed a fighting spirit and succeeded in coming back twice, and not only that, but we achieved victory.”
Galtier mentioned that he has spoken to the coaching staff about the necessity of winning the Amir Cup to qualify for the AFC Champions League. “I don’t know what the future holds,” Galtier said. “We will face a strong team, but in cup matches, anything can happen. I have faith in my players and their ability to win this tournament and save our season. The winner will qualify for the AFC Champions League next season, and the players must give their all on the pitch. We started the tournament well, and we must continue in this way.”
The second semi-final between Qatar SC and Al Gharafa will take place tomorrow at 7pm at the Al Janoub Stadium.