Libya coach Javier Clemente
Libya and Sudan are set to square off in the first of the seven play-offs at Qatar’s iconic Khalifa International Stadium, eyeing coveted berth at this year’s inaugural FIFA Arab Cup.
Both the North African sides are eager to win the single leg play-off, as the winning side will secure a place in Group D along side Algeria, Egypt and the winner of Lebanon versus Djibouti.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 will take place from November 30 to December 18.
Libya have arrived in Doha under Spaniard Javier Clemente, who returned as coach of the team last week after his stint from 2013 to 2016.
In his first game back as coach, Libya lost to Liberia 1-0 but despite the defeat Clemente is hopeful of his team’s win against Sudan today.
“Our target is to win the match and qualify for the group stage of this major tournament. Participation in Arab Cup is our top priority at the moment,” the Spanish coach told a virtual news conference yesterday.
“We will play to win so we will have to show that from the first minute.”
While Libya have a better place in FIFA rankings (119) as compared to Sudan’s 123, Clemente said the opponents would be tough.
“We have tried to cover all elements before this important match. We know facing Sudan is not easy as they have strength and speed. It will be a difficult match.”
On rejoining the Libyan team, Clemente said: “I have joined the team a week ago and I have found great commitment from all the players, and everyone realises the importance of the match.”
Libya captain Ali Salama, who also spoke to reporters yesterday, said Arab Cup would be a fantastic experience for the teams.
“We are well prepared for the match. We want to win the match and qualify. This tournament is an opportunity for all Arabs to experience the facilities of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
In their last four matches, Sudan have won three matches besides losing to Zambia in a friendly, recently.
Sudan’s head coach Hubert Velud was confident of a best effort from his team in the qualifier.
“We expect a difficult match against Libya but our target is to win,” the Frenchman said yesterday.
“Libyan team will try to put pressure on us from the start and we must take into account every detail of the match. We have had two friendly experiences against Zambia in the past 10 days, during which the players made great effort. We will try to do our best. We are 95 percent ready for the match.”
Sudan captain Nasr Al Din Al Shugail hailed organising committee’s decision to allow spectators for the match.
“We have been playing without spectators for a long time. The presence of fans certainly has a special taste and it motivates players to give their best.”
A maximum 30% capacity will be permitted for each match during the play-offs.
Al Shugail said it would a good experience to play at the Khalif International Stadium - one of the eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venues.
"We are ready to give best performance and advance to the group stage," he said.
