Sanchez wants Al Sadd to stay focused against Al Ahli, log their first league win

Qatar Tribune

8 hours ago

Tribune News Network
Doha
Defending champions Al Sadd are keen to get their Doha Bank Stars League campaign back on track as they look to bounce back in the second round against Al Ahli at the Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday.
Both teams are looking for their maiden win in the new season. While Al Ahli had lost 0-2 to Al Shamal in the opening round, Al Sadd suffered a 2-3 defeat to Qatar SC.
Al Ahli, coached by Croatian coach Igor Biscan, would be well aware of Al Sadd's formidable challenge. The Brigadiers however possess multiple options in the midfield, with the side featuring German Julian Draxler and Driss Fettouhi, while their attacking strategy revolves around Spaniard Erik Exposito, Oumar Sekou and other key players.
Al Sadd, under Felix Sanchez, showcase a talented attacking line up, spearheaded by Akram Afif, accompanied by Spaniard Rafa Mujica and Brazilian Claudinho, and complemented by a solid defensive pairing of Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel.
Sanchez while speaking ahead of the match against Al Ahli, said, 'Al Ahli had a very good last season finishing in the top four, so we expect a tough match. They have started the new season poorly, just like us, and both teams will play to win. We need to focus on ourselves, keep working, believe in what we're doing and try to achieve our first league win.
'We have to start with the Al Ahli match and try to add points and put ourselves in a position to compete for the top spot in the league.'
Al Sadd captain Hassan Al Haydous said, 'It's a very difficult and important match. Both teams are coming off a loss in the first round. The loss to Qatar SC was a surprise to everyone. Our goal was to get the three points against Qatar SC. Luck was not on our side and we will strive to make up for it.'
Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan said, 'We will face a tough opponent, the defending champions, so we must be more focused and organized on the field. The match will certainly be tough, given the similarity between the two teams' start to the league. However, what is most important to me is that Al Ahli put on a strong performance and perform well against Al Sadd.
'I have worked to ensure that the team performs differently from the way they did at the start of the league. The team must have a mentality of performing well and striving for victory,' he added.
Meanwhile, Qatar SC, who have had a robust start with a win over Al Sadd, will play Al Sailiya at the Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday.
Qatar SC would want to build on their initial success and leverage the support of their fans to secure a second win, which would improve their prospects of climbing the league table being served by some notable players in Joao Pedro, Raoul Sanda, Ali Saoudi and Faiz Selemani.
Al Sailiya on the other hand would look to redeem themselves following their defeat to Al Rayyan in the previous round.
Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez said his team needs to stay focused. 'We are certainly happy after defeating defending champions Al Sadd, but we now need to focus on our match against Al Sailiya.
'It will be a completely different match, perhaps just as difficult or even more so. We must maintain a positive mentality and approach the match with determination and seriousness.
'The victory over Al Sadd is good, but it must be emphasized that the team is still in the building phase and continuing to work. I reiterate the need to take league matches step by step. What was achieved against Al Sadd was just three points. We must maintain our focus and prepare in the best possible way for the next match,' said Lopez.
Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain and his players also recognize the critical need to avoid losing any further points, particularly against a side that is filled with confidence.
Al Zain aims at rectifying errors that led to their initial loss while striving to emerge more resilient, relying on Mohamed Taabouni, Matias Nani, Abdelaziz Mitwali, and Mohammed Benyettou.
Al Gharafa, who scored a 4-2 win over Umm Salal in their first round, will be meeting Al Arabi in the second round on Friday while Al Duhail, who had a 1-1 draw against Al Shahania, will play Al Wakrah next on Saturday.
QSL Week 2 Schedule
Thursday: Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm); Al Ahli vs Al Sadd at Al Thumama Stadium (8:30pm)
Friday: Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6:30pm); Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)
SaturdaycTypeface:> Umm Salal vs Al Shahania at Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm); Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah at Khalifa International Stadium (8:30pm).