Qatar football giants Al Sadd and Al Rayyan are gearing up for Friday’s Amir Cup final, which will be a memorable occasion for all the fans. Not for just the enthusiasts, the showdown between the two sides at the brand new Al Thumama Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue – will be a special occasion for the entire country in many ways.
The arrangements are in full swing for the final that will also mark the inauguration of Al Thumama Stadium. It will be the sixth tournament-ready stadium after the Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt stadiums. Al Bayt Stadium and the Ras Abu Aboud will be inaugurated during the first FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which will be played from November 30 to December 18.
Last week, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Amir Cup 2021 final, announced that the 40,000-seater Al Thumama Stadium will operate at hundred percent occupancy to host Al Sadd and Al Rayyan’s title decider. The ticket sales for the final, which started last month, is getting a massive response as both clubs enjoy huge fan base.
Qatar is one of the few countries which resumed international sports activities first after COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports calendar all over the world. The country did not just organise its scheduled events but also helped other sports bodies to complete their tournaments by stepping in as hosts. But, a limited number of fans were welcomed during these events.
The October 22 Amir Cup final, however, will mark the return of normalcy in sports events as Al Thumama Stadium will host a capacity crowd by following the COVID-19 protocols. “It would be a great experience for fans and we are all excited for this big match,” said Rashid Al Khater, Director of Operations, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Amir Cup 2021 final. He added that the LOC is confident of organising the final in a befitting manner. The measures the LOC has taken for the final will ensure best experience for all the fans at an amazing venue.
Defending champions Al Sadd, who defeated Al Arabi in last year’s final at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, will be favourites against Al Rayyan in the final after a brilliant start to the new season. But, it is hard to guess the winning side in Amir Cup finals, and Al Rayyan despite their shaky start at the QNB Stars League, have all the potential to lift the trophy. The unpredictability of the title-deciding game, which will be played in front of a packed stadium, makes it a must-watch match.
