The Peninsula
The arrangements for a blockbuster Amir Cup final are on track, with organisers witnessing a huge demand for tickets for Friday’s showdown at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium.
Speaking about the preparations of the landmark 50th edition finale, members of the organising committee assured best experience for fans, who will attend the match.
Al Duhail and Al Gharafa set up the title match after winning their respective semi-finals on Monday. Al Duhail defeated defending champions and favourites Al Sadd 3-2 in thriller after Al Gharafa outclassed Al Wakrah 4-1 in the first semi-final.
The attendance for the final, which will kick off at 7pm, will be limited to 75 percent capacity of 40,000-seater Khalifa International Stadium as part of COVID-19 protocol.
Vice Chairman of the Marketing and Communications Committee Ali Al Salat said there has been huge demand for tickets for the final since the sale was launched.
“We are expecting to finish tickets sale soon before the final. We already sold 65 percent of available tickets and that was before the finalists were decided,” Al Salat told a press conference yesterday.
“The response from fans shows how important is the final and the tournament is for them,” he added.
Tickets, available at tickets.qfa.qa, are priced at QR50 and QR10.
Meanwhile, In-charge of Security Operations Captain Nayif Al Kubaisi said best arrangements have been made to provide fans easy access to the venue.
“Our officials will be there to guide the fans and we will ensure smooth flow of traffic,” he said.
Facility In-charge at the Khalifa International Stadium Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani, who also spoke yesterday, informed the gates of the stadium will open at 4pm advising fans to come early to avoid inconvenience.
Also present at the press conference, Faisal Muftah, Transportation in Charge, said parking space for 11,000 cars near the venue will be available on the day of final besides Metro services every two and a half minutes.
Castro delighted with win
Meanwhile, Al Duhail coach Luis Castro said it was an exciting semi-final against Al Sadd, saying his team deserved to win.
“We faced Al Sadd, who have strong attack and I am very happy with the victory,” said Castro, who will depart from the club after the final.
The coach said his team now faces another tough test in Al Gharafa.
“We will face strong opponents, who are an organised team. But we will go well prepared and play to win the title.”
Al Sadd coach Javi Gracia, who tasted first defeat in 16 matches with the club, said team tried its best in the semi-final.
“We got many chances but after [71st minute] red card to Pedro Miguel we tried to attack and conceded another goal. We fought until the last minute but it wasn’t enough,” said Gracia.
“We have to accept the current situation, after 16 matches with Al Sadd, my first loss, which I have to accept and learn from mistakes and correct them in the upcoming matches,” he added.