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IKOLI VICTOR
Doha
Al Shahania will return to QNB Stars League action with a tough Week 19 duel against Al Ahli at the Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Thursday.
Shahania enjoyed their most memorable victory in history recently, thanks to a 3-0 win over Al Rayyan, and that has boosted the club’s confidence. Not only was it a vital win, but it kept coach Jose Murcia’s side above two former powerhouses Al Gharafa and Qatar SC in the standings and the relegation zone.
Thursday’s opponents are struggling with a poor form after two defeats in a row, their last against Al Duhail a scandalous 6-0 whitewash.
For Ahli, it must be an improved performance that will rectify the team’s lapses in their previous two matches according to coach Ruben de la Barrera.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Murcia said: “It will be a tough fixture, no doubt about it. It is a foregone conclusion that the teams will fight it out for full points.
“Points are most welcome, especially at this stage. We will play without pressure and we look forward to playing with great optimism. We are fully aware of the fact that the three points would be great in our mission to fulfill our ambitions.”
Talking about their opponent, Murcia said they are a good team and would be respected accordingly but noted, “The team is now playing under less pressure, but we are realistic and we are aware of our position in the league. Now the pressure is on Al Ahli because they have a new coach and they have had two consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli Spanish tactician Ruben de la Barrera said the Brigadiers have prepared well for the encounter after their embarrassing 6-0 rout against Duhail.
“We’ve prepared ourselves well. There was a great deal of communication among the players during the training sessions and they are expecting a strong match,” Ruben noted.
“I have a good impression of the Al Shahania team and I have great respect for them. It was underlined in the last round when they won against a big team (3-0 against Al Rayyan) that is going through a good period. We expect a tough game, but we hope the result will be in our favour. We feel we have a great responsibility ahead of us. Winning this match will give us huge confidence ahead of the remaining matches,” added Barrera.
Thursday’s other fixture involves Al Kharitiyath and Qatar SC. While Kharaitiyat enjoyed a 3-0 win over Al Gharafa, Qatar SC suffered 8-1 thrashing at the hands of Al Sadd.
Doha
Al Shahania will return to QNB Stars League action with a tough Week 19 duel against Al Ahli at the Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Thursday.
Shahania enjoyed their most memorable victory in history recently, thanks to a 3-0 win over Al Rayyan, and that has boosted the club’s confidence. Not only was it a vital win, but it kept coach Jose Murcia’s side above two former powerhouses Al Gharafa and Qatar SC in the standings and the relegation zone.
Thursday’s opponents are struggling with a poor form after two defeats in a row, their last against Al Duhail a scandalous 6-0 whitewash.
For Ahli, it must be an improved performance that will rectify the team’s lapses in their previous two matches according to coach Ruben de la Barrera.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Murcia said: “It will be a tough fixture, no doubt about it. It is a foregone conclusion that the teams will fight it out for full points.
“Points are most welcome, especially at this stage. We will play without pressure and we look forward to playing with great optimism. We are fully aware of the fact that the three points would be great in our mission to fulfill our ambitions.”
Talking about their opponent, Murcia said they are a good team and would be respected accordingly but noted, “The team is now playing under less pressure, but we are realistic and we are aware of our position in the league. Now the pressure is on Al Ahli because they have a new coach and they have had two consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli Spanish tactician Ruben de la Barrera said the Brigadiers have prepared well for the encounter after their embarrassing 6-0 rout against Duhail.
“We’ve prepared ourselves well. There was a great deal of communication among the players during the training sessions and they are expecting a strong match,” Ruben noted.
“I have a good impression of the Al Shahania team and I have great respect for them. It was underlined in the last round when they won against a big team (3-0 against Al Rayyan) that is going through a good period. We expect a tough game, but we hope the result will be in our favour. We feel we have a great responsibility ahead of us. Winning this match will give us huge confidence ahead of the remaining matches,” added Barrera.
Thursday’s other fixture involves Al Kharitiyath and Qatar SC. While Kharaitiyat enjoyed a 3-0 win over Al Gharafa, Qatar SC suffered 8-1 thrashing at the hands of Al Sadd.
