Hassan Al-Haydos, the captain of Al-Sadd, during a match against Wydad of Morocco
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd's Qatari striker Hassan Al Haydos said the Wolves are determined to deliver their best performance in the remaining matches of the group stage following an unexpected draw in the King Salman Club Cup opener on Thursday.
The two teams shared points in their opening Group B clash following the goalless encounter at the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha.
“Our goal was to clinch the three points. We played well, and the team is progressing from one match to another. We are determined to deliver our best performance in the upcoming matches of Group B.”
“The draw isn’t an unfavourable result against a formidable team like Wydad of Morocco. We displayed an impressive performance and were the ones most likely to secure the win and claim the three points,” Al Haydos said.
Al Sadd players gear up for their second Group B match of the King Salman Club Cup.
The Al Sadd captain further stated, “The King Salman Club Cup is a highly competitive tournament for all participating teams. They are all champions in their respective countries, and this competition holds great significance for us ahead of the start of the season.”
Al Sadd will meet Al Hilal club in their next Group B fixture tomorrow at the same venue before taking on Ahli Tripoli at the Damac Stadium on August 2.
Meanwhile, Raja Athletic yesterday defeated Belouizdad Youth 2-1 at the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in an electric Group D clash.
Raja Athletic, the reigning Arab Club Champions who are coached by Joseph Zinbayor, boasted a formidable lineup that included star players like Anas Al-Zeniti, Bouchaib Aarassi, Ismail Moghaddam, Abdel Samad Badawi, Mahmoud Bin Tayek, Mohamed Makazi, Roger Aholu, Mohamed Zuraida, Zakaria Al-Wardi, Excel Mayi, and Yousry Bouzouk. Belouizdad Youth’s Moad Haddad gave his team the lead in the ninth minute, but Raja Athletic quickly regained their composure and equalised during the second half, thanks to a penalty kick converted by the skilled Yousri Bouzouk in the 57th minute.
The game took an intense turn when Belouizdad Youth missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 67th minute, as Cameroonian player Lionel Wamba failed to capitalise on a penalty kick.
With the tension rising and the clock ticking, Raja Athletic showcased their championship mentality by pushing forward relentlessly. In the dying moments of the match, Bouchaib El Arassi emerged as the hero, securing the winning goal for Raja Athletic and sealing their well-deserved victory.
Earlier, Egyptian side Zamalek blanked Tunisia’s Union Monastirienne 4-0 in Group C with the help of a goal each from Bechir Ben Said and Ahmed Sayed and a brilliant double from Sayed Abdallah.
