The Peninsula
Captain Hassan Al Haydos has said Qatar are eagerly looking forward to make history by winning their maiden FIFA Arab Cup title but admitted his side faces a huge Algerian obstacle on their way to glory.
The Asian champions will face the Desert Warriors in tomorrow’s second semi-final to be played at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Al Annabi are the only side in the tournament to win four straight matches but Al Haydos said tomorrow’s clash will be the toughest test of the tournament for the home team.
Algeria are also unbeaten in the event but lost points due to a draw against Egypt in their last group match.
The Madjid Bougherra-coached side knocked hot favourites Morocco out of the tournament after winning their thrilling quarter-final on penalties.
“It will be a very difficult semi-final as we are facing an Algerian team, which has best players with plenty of experience,” Al Haydos said on the sidelines of team’s training session.
“They are one of the best teams in the tournament and we have to double our efforts if we want to beat them and reach the final,” he added.
The Qatari captain, however, said the team is confident of giving a good show, saying all the players were putting their best in preparations for the semi-final.
“The entire team has one goal, which is to make history by winning the first Arab Cup title for Qatar. All members of the team are completely focused and getting ready for the semi-final because we know we have to beat Algeria to keep our hopes alive for a title win,” said Al Haydos, who led Qatar to the Asian Cup 2019 triumph in the United Arab Emirates.
Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi, meanwhile, said Al Annabi can beat higher-ranked Algeria after registering four straight wins in the event.
“Our previous victories in the tournament have given us huge confidence before the semi-final,” said the Al Sadd star.
“Algeria, no doubt are a strong team, which has many stars but we are targeting a victory against them. We will do our best to reach the final,” he added.
Qatari forward Ahmed Alaaeldin also said the team is determined for a winning performance against Algeria after a 5-0 victory over the UAE in the quarter-final.
“This match will require a great focus from us. Our win against UAE is the past now and the semi-final will be completely different. We promise our fans that we will give our best in the semi-final,” said Alaaeldin.
Qatar began their preparation for the semi-final with a training session on Monday before the Al Annabi held another session at the Aspire Zone yesterday.
Qatar semi-final is our next target, says Algeria’s Belaili
Meanwhile, Youcef Belaili, who won a penalty and struck a superb goal from 40 metres in extra time against Morocco, said the Desert Warriors have shifted their focus on the semi-final.
“We celebrated our quarter-final victory but now all our focus is on the semi-final against Qatar,” said Belaili.
“We know it will be a difficult match against the hosts but we are seeking a victory to make our fans happy. We are aiming for a place in the final and win the Arab Cup title,” he added.
The semi-final between Qatar and Algeria will kick off at 10pm tomorrow after Egypt will take on Tunisia in the first semi-final at Stadium 974, with kick off set for 6pm.
The final will be played at the 60000-seater Al Bayt Stadium on December 18 – the Qatar National Day.