DOHA: Third-placed Al Sailiya will be looking to bag three more points in the QNB Stars League (QSL) title race when they take on minnows Al Shahania in a Round 9 clash on Sunday.
With five wins out of seven matches, Al Sailiya are behind points leaders Al Duhail and Al Sadd and ahead of former champions Al Rayyan (fourth) in the new season.
Al Sailiya coach Samil Trabelsi said his team is keen to chase the top two teams or remain in the top three.
“We have a lot of players who know how to deal in tough circumstances. We will play to maintain our position and aim to be among the top three in the table,” Trabelsi said during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“I always tell my players to maintain their focus throughout the match and I am confident that we can achieve good results,” Trabelsi added.
The popular Tunisian tactician said Al Sadd clash in the last round was a tough affair.
“Our last game against Al Sadd was difficult. We were keen on rectifying some mistakes during the break and I hope my players will stay focused throughout the game. Al Shahania are a team with good potential and we must do well to beat them,” Trabelsi pointed out.
Al Sailiya player Hamad Al Obeidi said: “We are aiming to provide a level that suits our team, I am back from injury and ready to face Al Shahania. We are able to compete with any team, we are able to compete for the title, and we will work to provide a good level and maintain our position.”
Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia said his team - currently placed at 10th spot out of 12 teams - must find a way to win matches.
“We must arrest our losing streak,” Murcia said yesterday. “It is important that we play our games with confidence. We must play an offensive game and take advantage of the opportunities,” he added.
“I have prepared my team to play to win and get three points. Our results so far do not reflect the amount of work we have done.
“Al Sailiya are a good team with some strong players. They have a great player in the attack, Rashid Tiberkanine. I have great confidence in my players. We have done well in the previous matches and I wish Al Sailiya play a positive game,” the coach said.
Al Shahania player Younis Yaqoub said: “Al Sailiya are going through a good patch currently. We will play a focused game to achieve a positive result and we will try to get out of the danger zone by collecting three valuable points.”
The match will be played at Al Ahli Stadium with kick-off fixed for 5:25pm.
