Kuwait, Qatar’s experienced leftback Abdulkarim Al Ali (pictured) yesterday said the Al Anabi camp is brimming with confidence ahead of today’s Gulf Cup clash against Iraq.
On Saturday, Qatar hammered Yemen 4-0 in their opening Group B match at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium.
“It will be a real battle but we are feeling confident going into this match,” Ali said at a pre-match press conference. Both teams have won the Gulf Cup three times each. Qatar are the defending champions at the December 22-January 5 tournament.
“We are ready for this game after we got a big boost from the first game,” Ali, 26, said.
“Also we are the defending champions. We respect the Iraqi team, which everyone knows is a strong side. Iraq is not only strong in the region but in Asia as well. They have big stars who have played for them over the years,” he said.
“I hope the current edition is a memorable one for me and my team mates. We want to do something great for our fans back home,” he said.
On the competition between him and Abdulkarim Hassan in the left-back centre, Ali said: “There is strong but healthy competition for places in the team. Overall the team benefits from such competition.”
When asked about the absence of midfielder Asim Madibo, he said: “Any player in the team is able to compensate for the absence of Asim Madibo. Although it is sad that he is not there but there are players waiting to grab a chance to play. The challenges are there but it is exciting to be here.”
