Al Duhail’s Bassam Al Rawi (centre) trains with his team-mates ahead of the QNB Stars League Round 20 match against Al Sadd, which will be played on Saturday.
Al Duhail coach Rui Faria believes his team can pull off a victory against points leaders Al Sadd, in what will be the most anticipated match of the ongoing QNB Stars League (QSL) season, to keep their hopes of retaining the title alive.
Al Duhail, who triumphed in the last season comfortably, are trailing Al Sadd by four points, with the season nearing an end.
Al Sadd have 50 points and a victory in the 20th round match against Al Duhail will seal the coveted Falcon Shield for coach Jesualdo Ferreira’s side.
But defending champions Al Duhail, who led in the best part of the season, are in no mood to allow ‘The Wolves’ to do that, vowing to fire on all cylinders in the crunch match, scheduled to take place on their home turf tomorrow.
“We know the importance of this game for our team and also for Al Sadd, who are trying to regain the league title. Certainly, my team doesn’t want them to be crowned at our stadium,” Faria told a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Al Sadd’s victory against us in the first leg will give us the motivation to win this time. Thus, we can take the title race until the last round,” he added.
The Portuguese coach, however, said his team was calm and preparing well, with full points in sights.
“Our preparations have been just like how we prepare for each match. We know how important this encounter is and the strength of the Al Sadd team,” he said.
“There’s going to be only one result and we are going to chase victory. We have had a good season generally. If the numbers allow you to still chase the title, it is possible. We like to keep the memories of good scenes.
The season is far from finish and we want to reduce the gap in points in our bid to retain the title,” he added.
Faria, who joined the QSL giants in January, said he was confident that his players will give their best in the crucial match.
“I know what our players can do. I know their abilities and I trust them very much,” said the coach.
Al Duhail striker Youssef El Arabi predicted the match to be of high intensity, saying execution will play an important role.
“In every game, we need to bring out our best. Saturday’s is a big game. Players of both teams know that you have to score in the first opportunity. I like this game. It may be the best in this season’s league.”
On his comparison with Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah, El Arabi said, “I am very happy with the level presented by Bounedjah with Al Sadd and his scoring abilities. He is a very good player. I am happy for him and I am happy for myself.”
The match will kick off at 7:15pm.
