Qatar Tribune
Qatar Sports Club coach Wessam Rizk said his side are eager to play in the Amir Cup as the Kings take on Al Ahli at Al Arabi Stadium this Friday.
Since taking over the side late last year, Wessam has managed to keep a sinking ship afloat and QSC boasts the meanest defence in the top division having conceded just one goal in their last five league games – a feat Wessam is proud of.
“The Amir Cup is a glorious competition and with this new format, it makes it more difficult for teams. I think our match against Al Ahli is the most difficult tie for this round but My players are excited to play and see how far we can go.
“For us, we need to have an identity and defensively we have been able to show that. When I came to the team, they were the weakest defensively but we have experienced players who have risen to the challenge. It is important for us that our identity is known defensively,” Wessam told reporters ahead of the match.
Despite their defensive strength, they have however failed to score in their last three matches with just 14 goals scored in the league so far.
Wessam though is not worried but insists the little details will determine the outcome of Friday's showdown.
“The players have reacted well and obviously their performance reflects on me as a coach. It is not a burden leading this team and the expectations on us especially after our recent run of form. We just need to show our capabilities and work on the small details,” he added.
Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic said The Brigadiers, who were winners of the first edition of the Amir Cup are targetting another final appearance after decades of mediocrity.
Al Ahli has won the trophy four times but last won the Cup in 1992.
“Al Ahli hasn’t won anything in over 30 years and we hope to end that. Football is a game of mistakes but we are focused on our target which is to be in the final,” Jovovic said.
With one win and a draw in their last five matches, Jovovic said the Cup competition presents a different challenge.
“The Cup competitions always bring surprises and to play against Qatar SC, who have been on a good run will be a tough challenge, but we will be ready.
“Psychologically, the way we conceded in our last match against Al Khor was not great. But we have to work hard, football is as difficult as in everyday life. It is important for us as a team to be ready against QSC and take our chances.”
Also on Friday, Al Shahania takes on Al Wakrah at the Al Arabi Stadium.
Shahania is the bottom of the QNB Stars League with just one win all season. They face a tough challenge against a Wakrah side who are currently sixth in the league and boast of in-form striker Mohammed Benyettou.
On Saturday, Al Arabi faces Al Khor while Al Gharafa will hope to brush aside Al Markhiya in the last match of the Round of 16 stages.