Al Markhiya's players in action during a training session, yesterday
Al Markhiya started the Amir Cup campaign as underdogs but the second division side has now become one of the contenders for the prestigious title after a series of top-notch performances. They had a dream run in this year’s edition of the Amir Cup as they recorded stunning victories against top sides including Al Gharafa and six time champions Al Rayyan on their way to the semi-finals. Today, they will face Al Arabi in what will be the first semi-final of Qatar’s most popular tournament at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, with kick-off set for 6:00 pm.
On paper, Al Arabi are a better side and will enter today’s game as favourites but Al Markhiya believes they have a good chance of making history by reaching the final. “All the players are very enthusiastic about reaching the final. It’s a golden chance for us to make history,” Al Markhiya coach Omar Naji, who replaced coach Yunus Ali, said on the eve of the first semi-final during a press conference at Al Duhail Sports Club. “Reaching the semi-final of this tough competition is a great achievement and players are confident of doing well in the semi-final also,” he said before terming Al Arabi as tough opponents.
“Al Arabi are a good team in any circumstances. They have very good players but at the same time we also have good players and can do well against them,” said Naji, who also coached Al Khor. Al Markhiya’s Omani star Ahmed Kanu, who scored the winning goal against Al Rayyan in the quarter-final, said his team was ready to take on Al Arabi. “Al Arabi are a big club but we are ready for the contest. We will give our best to seal our place in the final,” he said. We respect Al Markhiya: Hallgrimson Meanwhile, Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimson said lack of knowledge about Al Markhiya poses a challenge for his side in today’s semi-final.
“We are dealing this match like any other match and our preparations are no diff e r e n t , ” Hallgrimson said during a p r e - m a t c h press con- f e r e n c e yesterday. “The only difference is that we do not know much about Al Markhiya,” the seasoned coach added before warning his team about complacency against the second division side. “Al Markhiya produced good results to reach the semifinals.
They have a very good attack, which can punish us if we underestimate them,” he warned. The Icelander vowed his team will make all efforts to reach the final to delight their fans. “We will play with full force and will give our best to reach the final and keep our hopes alive for the Amir Cup trophy. It is possible to win the title and make our fans happy. We will do our best,” he said. Meanwhile, Al Arabi star Aron Gunnarsson, also from Iceland, said his team expects a tough challenge from Al Markhiya, who defeated a team like Al Rayyan. “We are well prepared for the challenge and look forward to advance in this important tournament,” he said. The second semi-final of the Amir Cup will be played between defending champions Al Duhail and Al Sadd at the same venue tomorrow
