Al Arabi players attend a training session.
Al Arabi coach Younes Ali has said his team must play against Al Ahli with ‘fighting spirit’ as the two teams meet at the QNB Stars League (QSL) tonight.
Following the conclusion of the quarter-finals of 51st Amir Cup on Tuesday night, teams have shifted their focus to a crucial 19th week of country’s top flight that begins today.
Al Arabi are second in the QSL standings with 40 points, two points behind Al Duhail, who also have an extra game in hands.
The Dream Team will take on Nebojsa Jovovic’s Brigadiers at the Grand Hamad Stadium with Younes terming it an important clash to keep pursuit of Al Duhail.
“Everyone is well aware of the importance of our next match, especially at this decisive stage in the league. 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,” Younes told a pre-match press conference.
Al Arabi are returning to action after defeating Muaither in the Amir Cup quarter-final earlier this week. They will meet Al Sailiya in the semi-final on April 25.
Younes said all his team’s focus is on the QSL match against Al Ahli.
“Our focus has always been on the upcoming 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,” said Younes.
Al Ahli are seventh in the QSL standings with 21 points from 18 matches with Jovovic hoping his team to give their best against Al Arabi.
“I have full confidence in the team’s ability to show a strong reaction and return to the path of victories in the league after the last loss against Al Shamal,” Al Ahli coach said while referring to a 1-0 defeat in the previous QSL round.
“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,” he added.
But Jovovic said Al Arabi are in good form and will give a tough challenge to his side.
“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,” said Nebojsa.
Al Arabi emerged as 2-1 winners when the two sides met in the first leg of the QSL season.
Meanwhile, Al Wakrah will look to return to top 4 with win over Al Shamal at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium in tonight’s other game.
Al Wakrah slipped to fifth in the standings after a 4-2 defeat to defending champions Al Sadd in their last match in the league.
Al Shamal, ninth in the standings, will also look for a good result against Al Wakrah to improve their standings. The first leg between the two sides was ended in a goalless draw.
