The officials of Qatar Basketball Association pose for a photograph with the coaches and captains of the Al Shamal and Al Rayyan teams after a press conference, yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Two of the most promising teams this season, Al Shamal and Al Rayyan will face off in the highly anticipated title clash of the Qatar Basketball League at the Al Gharafa Club Hall today.
The match tips off at 7:00pm, following the third-place play-off between Qatar SC and Al Sadd at the same venue.
The showdown promises to be a thrilling culmination to the action-packed season in which high-flying Al Shamal will be looking to clinch their third title in the tournament’s history.
Blocking their path are the 15-time winners of the prestigious title, League points-leaders Al Rayyan, who beat Qatar SC 100-82 in the play-off semi-finals.
Al Shamal defeated Al Sadd 70-68 in a thrilling semi-final to book their place in today’s title clash.
Al Shamal's remarkable performance throughout the season in which they have beaten Al Rayyan on two occasions this year, has given them a confidence boost ahead of today’s clash. The captain of the team, Ibnomer Moutasim Hamed, expressed his team's unwavering determination to conclude the season on a resounding note.
"Undoubtedly, we face a formidable opponent in Al Rayyan, a team boasting exceptional talent and unmatched skill levels,” Hamed acknowledged the tough challenge that lies ahead for his men.
“However, we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of victory, aiming to bring joy and pride to our dedicated fans," Hamed said during a press conference, yesterday.
Nasser Rashid Al Kaabi, the head of basketball at Al Shamal, also emphasized the formidable nature of today’s final.
"We are preparing ourselves for a grueling encounter against a distinguished opponent with top-tier players. Final matches are notorious for their difficulty, offering no guarantees for either side," Al Kaabi stated.
"We are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but we will summon all our strength to secure victory and claim the cherished championship. It is a legitimate ambition that resonates with everyone involved," Al Kaabi expressed his hopes for the team to perform at their absolute best.
Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios confirmed that his team is aiming for nothing else but the title, but noted that the task requires a great effort to overcome a stubborn opponent in Al Shamal.
“Everyone knows how difficult the match is, especially that Al Shamal team is one of the great teams and includes some of the best players. But we hope that the everything will be in favour of the Al Rayyan team which has overcome many difficulties and challenges,” Kosov said, pointing out that all his players have made strenuous efforts during the past year.
Stergios also stressed Al Rayyan’s efforts to return to the forefront and win titles again, whether by winning the league title today, or by winning other titles in the future.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Association Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari said that a large presence of supporters of the two teams is expected at the final venue today.
