Lekhwiya, Al Gharafa promise exciting match

Al Gharafa coach Bruno Mestu (R) and team captain Juninho (C) attending a press conference yesterday ahead of their Emir’s Cup semi-final match against Lekhwiya at the Sheikh Jassim stadium in Al Sadd. PICTURES: Anas Khalid

By Suman Malla/Doha

Sparks are set to fly when Lekhwiya and Al Gharafa – each vying for a double – meet in the first semi-final of the Emir’s Cup at the Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad stadium today. The match kicks off at 7pm. Al Rayyan play Al Jaish in the other semi-final tomorrow.Lekhwiya created a wave in the Qatar Stars League, landing the title in their debut season. Al Gharafa defended the Heir Apparent Cup with a 2-0 victory over Al Arabi in the final last month.Lekhwiya are coming into this match well rested after a hard-fought 4-3 quarter-final win over Al Wakrah on May 6, while Al Gharafa had to endure domestic and AFC assignments, had little respite – their 3-1 win being sandwiched between a 5-2 triumph over UAE’s Al Jazira and 2-0 loss away to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the Champions League.“The gap between our matches in the AFC Champions League and Emir’s Cup was short,” said Al Gharafa coach Bruno Metsu.  “We have no choice but to play hard and far in the match against Lekhwiya.”

Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi talking to reporters

Al Gharafa played 15 games in the past 60 days, while Lekhwiya had six fewer games. But the Frenchman, who had led Al Gharafa to the league title in his previous stint in 2004/05 season, insists his players can cope with the situation.“Al Gharafa players are accustomed to playing in every 3-4 days. We will try everything to get to the final because this tournament has a special significance - it is Qatar’s most prestigious,” said Metsu.Those 10 days may have helped Lekhwiya players recover from knocks they suffered in previous match, but “the match offers equal opportunities to both sides and each will be trying to turn in their best performance,” he said.With defender Bilal Mohammed back into the side, Al Gharafa have no injury worries, except for a minor health issue with Ahmed Faris. “All the players are ready physically for the match and are ready to go to extra time if necessary,” he added.Metsu also praised Qatar Football Association’s decision to play both the Emir’s Cup semi-finals at air-conditioned stadium at Al Sadd. “It is an important decision and a wise one,” he noted. “The temperature outside may be high, but the cool atmosphere inside would encourage the teams to perform at their best.”Team captain Juninho, who is leaving Al Gharafa for Vasco Da Gama in Brazil, knows the importance of the tournament and wants to finish his two-year sojourn in Qatar on a high. “It’s going to a tough because both teams possess good players capable of making a difference in the outcome of the game,” said the former Brazil international, referring to the two teams’ qualification for next year’s Asian Champions League.“A team performance will decide the game, but even individuals may have a role in this match,” Juninho predicted. But he knows Lekhwiya, who have lost only once to Al Gharafa with a draw in six previous meetings, are a tough nut to crack. “Ending the season at the best possible way would be to play a good game and win titles. But winning the cup matches are always difficult.” Juninho, who watched Al Rayyan beat Umm Salal in last year’s final from the stands, has realised “it’s a very special occasion in the country. Our experience will enable us to perform well, to get over the pressure tomorrow.”Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi plays down talks about their longer rest days.“It’s an important game and I expect it to be very interesting one. Gharafa are a balanced side with many experienced players in defense and attack with many titles under their belt,” he said.Lekhwiya will be without Ivorian striker Aruna Dindane due to injury. “Aruna Dindane is injured and will miss tomorrow’s game. He is a good player but such things are part of football. We have other players who can fill in his position. It wouldn’t make much difference,” he said, declaring. “Our team is ready and all the players are ready. We’ve got to strike a right balance and show it tomorrow.”Brazilian midfielder Lous Martin Carlos Junior predicts the match would be decided on the vital zone as braces for the occasion.“It’s going to be difficult because Gharafa have experienced of winning many titles over the years,” he admitted. “Our goal is to put in a good performance regardless of the result. We hope to carry our good form from the league and add another title to it.”