Al Sadd’s Roberto Firmino (centre) in action during training as coach Felix Sanchez (right) watches on.
Doha, Qatar: After suffering defeats in their opening Qatar Stars League (QSL) matches, reigning champions Al Sadd and Al Ahli will square off today, aiming to secure their first victory of the season at Al Thumama Stadium.
Felix Sanchez’s Al Sadd were stunned by Qatar SC, while Igor Biscan’s Al Ahli fell to Al Shamal last week. Both sides are now expected to deliver a thriller in their quest for opening points.
Coach Sanchez said his team must rise to the challenge against the Brigadiers, who were impressive last season, sealing a fourth-place finish.
“Al Ahli had a very good season and we are expecting a tough match. They also lost their first match, and both teams will be giving their best to win,” the Spaniard said during a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“We need to focus on ourselves, keep working hard, and believe in what we are doing. We will try our best to secure our first victory of the QSL season.”
“What happened in the first match happened. Now we have to focus on the Al Ahli match, get points, and compete for a lead in the league,” he added.
Captain Hassan Al Haydos vowed that Al Sadd would give their best to claim their first victory of the season.
“Luck was not on our side, as our goal was to achieve victory in the first match. We will give our best to make up for the loss against Al Ahli,” he said.
“It will be a difficult challenge because Al Ahli will pose a tough test after losing their first match. But we will fight hard to compensate for our loss and make our fans happy.”
Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan said his team must produce an improved performance against Al Sadd.
“It is important to achieve a positive result against defending champions Al Sadd and show a better performance than in the previous match,” he said yesterday.
“I have worked to ensure that Al Ahli perform differently from the way they did at the start of the league. The team must have a mentality of performing well and striving for victory,” said Biscan.
Al Ahli player Jassim Mohammed said, “Facing Al Sadd should be different for us. We did not perform at the required level in the previous match, and this is an opportunity to correct mistakes and perform better against Al Sadd.”
Earlier today, Qatar SC will meet Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium, hoping to extend their fine start in the league.
While Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez was upbeat ahead of the match following his team’s flying start to the season, Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain expressed hope that his side would stage a turnaround.
“Qatar SC will enter the match with high spirits and the momentum of victory, which makes the game even more challenging,” Al Zain said yesterday.
“But all our players are ready, and we are prepared to deliver a performance worthy of Al Sailiya.”
