Al Duhail may be facing an uphill task at next week’s FIFA Club World Cup Qatar but coach Sabri Lamouchi (pictured) feels the Red Knights can get good results provided they avail scoring opportunities and the players give their 100 per cent.
The reigning QNB Stars League (QSL) champions - representing hosts Qatar - will meet African champions Al Ahly SC in the second round match of the six-team event at Education City Stadium on February 4.
Al Ahly arrived in Doha on Friday night.
Al Ahly SC, the Egyptian giants qualified for the tournament by winning a record ninth CAF Champions League title, and Al Duhail coach admitted a tough task lies ahead for his side.
“It will be a very difficult match. Al Ahly have a lot of experience of playing top tournaments. They have majority of players who also play for Egypt’s national team,” Lamouchi said in an interview.
The Frenchman, however, said Al Duhail have a chance to earn good results in the tournament with a positive approach. “We must take advantage of all our chances and all players will have to give their best. We must stay focused,” said Lamouchi. “Our preparations are good and the team is looking to do well,” he added.
Formed in 2017 with the merger of former Qatar football giants Lekhwiya and El Jaish, Al Duhail will make a debut at the FIFA Club World Cup and the French coach said it is an honour to represent Qatar in such an esteemed tournament.
“I just want to tell the club’s fans that we are proud and it is a great honour for us to represent Qatar in this competition and we will do everything we can to honour Qatari football and delight the sports and Al Duhail fans,” Lamouchi said in the interview posted on the club’s website.
The Frenchman was also confident that the Qatar football officials will hold the tournament in a befitting manner under difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I don’t event need to talk about it. Qatar has been organising many big tournaments with huge success. Not just football, they are hosting championships in other games also in an amazing fashion,” he said.
Speaking on the new signing Michael Olunga, who fired a hat-trick in 6-0 rout of Al Ahli in the Amir Cup Round of 16 last week, Lamouchi termed the star Kenyan striker a great addition to the team.
“Michael Olunga has just arrived and we welcome him. He needs time to adapt with us,” said Lamouchi.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly SC manager Pitso Mosimane hoped to get good fan support for his side, which arrived in Doha on Friday.
“We are delighted to be in Qatar for this exciting tournament. There are many Al Ahly fans in Doha – and we are looking forward to having their support in our match against Al Duhail,” said Mosimane.
The winner of the match between Al Duhail and Al Ahli will face European champions Bayern Munich in the semi-final on February 8.
