Al Gharafa players gear up for the Qatar-UAE Super Cup clash against Sharjah.
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins has said winning the Qatar-UAE Super Cup will be important as his side hosts Sharjah for the prestigious title at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
Today’s showdown is the first of four matches in the Qatar-UAE Super Cup, pitting clubs from the neighbouring countries.
Al Gharafa – the reigning Amir Cup champions – have been in fine form this season and are leading the top-flight Qatar Stars League (QSL).
Barring striker Mohammed Muntari, who is sidelined with injury, Martins will have a full-strength squad at his disposal, including the attacking trio of Yacine Brahimi, Ferjani Sassi and Joselu.
“Our preparations have been going well. The team is in good form and our target is to win the Super Cup,” Martins said at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“This title will be important for the players, the coaching staff, the fans and Qatar in general, and we are aware of the great responsibility.”
Al Gharafa lost the last time the two sides met, with Sharjah claiming a thrilling 4-3 win in this season’s AFC Champions League Elite in September.
“This match will be different from the one we played earlier this season. We will put in place the appropriate strategy to win and claim the title,” Martins said.
“Our team will be at full strength tomorrow, which gives us better options for the match.”
Joselu said the match against Sharjah will be tough, but the team is ready.
“We are in the best shape and are looking forward to winning the title,” he said.
“Final matches are different from regular matches and require more mental preparation than physical preparation. There is only one chance to win.”
Meanwhile, Sharjah coach Jose Morais exuded confidence in his side but acknowledged that Al Gharafa will be tough opponents.
“We are focusing more on ourselves than on Al Gharafa and how to stop their players, but we must commend the individual capabilities they possess,” Morais said.
“They have players who have played for big clubs, such as Joselu.”
“Our goal is to win and achieve the title. We will try to do that and compete in the best way possible, and snatch victory regardless of the circumstances,” he added, brushing aside concerns about playing away from home.
“I’m used to achieving victories, and playing at the opponent’s stadium is not an obstacle in our quest to win.”
Sharjah winger Caio Lucas echoed his coach’s views.
“The match will certainly be difficult, but we are ready for the challenge. I don’t feel any pressure, and we will try to win to make our fans happy,” he said.
The match will kick off at 7pm (Doha time).
It will be followed by the Challenge Shield clash between Al Wahda and Al Duhail at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. Al Sadd will then host Shabab Al Ahli at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday, with the Super Shield at stake. The Qatar-UAE Super Cup concludes on Sunday with the Challenge Cup match between Al Jazira and Al Ahli at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
