Alkass Digital
Al Arabi coach Younes Ali called on his players to show fighting spirit as they chase QNB Stars League leaders Al Duhail for the title. Arabi, who are two points adrift of Al Duhail and also have played a game more, host Al Ahli on Thursday.
Arabi advanced to the Amir Cup semis after a 2-0 victory against Muaither, and Ali is urging his team to carry on the winning momentum.
“We are well aware of the importance of our next match, especially as the league enters the decisive stage. We hope we will succeed in this stage and achieve what we aspire to,” the Arabi coach said yesterday.
“Our focus is always on the next match, which is the most important thing. We hope that success will be with us in the Al Ahli match and we will continue our strong performances,” he added. Ali said Ahli – who are seventh in the standings – will pose a tough challenge for his side.
“The Al Ahli team is very good and includes distinguished players and a capable coach who knows the league well, so it will not be an easy match for both sides. We must show the fighting spirit to get the match points,” he said.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli’s coach Nebojsa Jovovic said he was confident of his team bouncing back from their defeat to Al Shamal. “We are entering a new challenge in order to return to victories, especially after an undeserved loss against Al Shamal, compared to the opportunities created by the team and the distinguished performance of our players,” the Brigadiers coach said.
“The challenge lies in the team’s need to win and its loss of a number of its players due to suspension, most notably Mohamed Hussein Kanaani, a strong force in defence. But as a coach, I must always work to address technical matters and face the numerical shortage in the ranks. We will give off everything against Al Arabi, considering the match as one of the strongest for us. Al Arabi are a highly-respected team and facing them will not be easy,” added Nebojsa.
In other match today, Al Wakrah host Al Shamal. Wakrah go into the match with high hopes as they seek keep their top four hopes alive. The Blue Wave, coached by Marquez Lopez, are currently placed fifth with 27 points. On the other hand, Al Shamal are in ninth place with 17 points. Wesam Rizik’s men had beaten Al Ahli by a 1-0 margin in Week 18 and will seek another victory in order to move up the QNB Stars League standings. Shamal coach Rizik believed that match will be tough for both teams. “It will be a very strong and difficult match for both teams, who know each other well. Al Shamal vs Al Wakrah matches are always strong and full of excitement. We hope to achieve the desired goal, which is winning and reaping the three points,” he said. “I think that small details will decide the result on Thursday. We know Al Wakrah team well and realise its strengths, especially since it includes players at the highest level, such as Mohamed Benyettou, Dala and others,” added Wesam.