Homam Ahmed and team-mate Almoez Ali celebrate in this file photo. Reuters
Doha: Homam Al Amin – the lanky defender – is regarded as the best talent that has joined Al Annabi’s ranks in recent years.
The Al Gharafa prodigy got a call-up from Felix Sanchez as the head coach integrated the then 20-year-old to the starting XI soon after Qatar became the Asian champions in 2019.
Sanchez’s confidence in Homam was such that he moved seasoned Abdelkarim Hassan from the wingback position he had previously held.
“The coach gives me huge confidence. He has always backed me,” Homam told Qatar Football Association (QFA) twitter handle.
But Homam has often proved his coach right with his outstanding performances with the national team.
Homam, an Aspire Academy graduate, bagged QFA’s Best Under-23 Player Award 2022 and remains the top performer for his club in the QNB Stars League – Qatar’s premier football league.
The talented left back, who also trained at Belgian side Eupen, came into limelight when he scored a spectacular goal from a tight angle against Honduras to help Qatar win their group at the Gold Cup last year.
“That goal against Honduras is the best memory of my career. I have worked very hard to be a part of the national team,” he said.
As Qatar prepare to make their historic World Cup debut, Homam is aware there will be a lot of responsibility on him to perform at every opportunity he gets.
“We are preparing for the World Cup which is our biggest challenge yet. I am looking forward to show a good performance and help my team in achieving its goal,” he added.
Qatar players have returned home ahead of their World Cup opener against Ecuador on November 20. The team has been together for over four months training in Spain and Austria.
“These are our best times as a team. We have spent the time together like a family. The atmosphere inside the team is wonderful. All of us have given our best in preparations and now we are eagerly waiting for the opening match against Ecuador,” he said.
“The last few months have been really helpful for us as we were focused on our preparation and the credit goes to the team management to ensure a viable plan for us,” Homam added.
The youngster said Al Annabi are expecting a huge support from fans during their matches at the World Cup.
“We need overwhelming support from fans and we promise them to give our best and bring smiles on their faces with our performance,” he said as Qatar prepare for its World Cup debut at the 60,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium.
Homam also spoke about his personal ambitions, saying: “My dream is to win the Best Asian Player Award like my senior team-mates Abdelkarim Hassan (2018) and Akram Afif (2019).”
Meanwhile, Qatar yesterday held a training session at Aspire Zone Training Facility – their first since returning from Spain following a 40-day training camp.
The team got a day’s rest after their return as players underwent several exercises during the one-hour session.
Al Annabi players also met tournament volunteers, showing appreciation for their hardwork.
Four days after their opening match against Ecuador, Qatar will face Senegal on November 25 before meeting the Netherlands in their final Group A match on November 29.
