Al-Sadd is looking forward to continuing its victories and continuing its progress towards the lead in the AFC Champions League for the elite, when it meets tonight with Al-Wasl of the Emirates in the fourth round. The match begins at 5 pm Doha time at Zabeel Stadium in Dubai in the Emirates. Al-Sadd enters the match with 7 points in third place, while Al-Wasl is in fifth place with 6 points
There are 3 main reasons that make the match very difficult, the first of which is holding the match at Al Wasl Stadium in the middle of its fans, and the second of which is the only point difference between the two teams, as Al Sadd seeks to expand this difference, and Al Wasl hopes to overcome it, and the third of these reasons is the unexpected victory that Al Wasl achieved last round in Doha. Against Al Gharafa, which makes him aspire to once again excel over our teams, while Al Sadd is now required to defend itself and Qatari football.
Al Sadd is personally accustomed to such conditions, and is very accustomed to excelling outside its home stadium, as it did when it tied with Al Ain, the defending champion, in the first round in the Emirates.
Al-Sadd is also experiencing high morale at this time, with its talented star Akram Afif winning the Best Player in Asia 2023 award, which is a very good morale that will be in the favor of the leader, especially since Afif is at the top of his level, and he is the most important offensive element that he relies on, whether by creating goals or scoring some of them.
But Al-Sadd, despite the presence of Akram, is distinguished at the same time by its team play because it possesses other distinguished elements, led by the Spaniard Mujica, the team’s top scorer, and Henrique, and behind them are Hassan Al-Haydos, Uribe and Guilherme.
Sanchez: A difficult match awaits us
Al-Zaeem coach Felix Sanchez stressed the importance of facing Al-Wasl, UAE. He said, “A difficult and strong confrontation awaits us against Al-Wasl, UAE. We have 7 points from three matches. We are moving at a steady and strong pace in the Champions League and we seek to continue these results against Al-Wasl.”
Felix said: Adam Ounas is a good player and his joining is a strong addition to the team. We will see the extent of his participation in the match in order to help us compete strongly in the match.
Regarding Youssef Atal’s readiness after recovering from his injury, he said: Youssef trained with the team and is ready and will be available with the team in today’s match.
He revealed his happiness with Akram Afif winning the Best Player in Asia Award 2023, and said: Akram winning the award is not surprising to us. He is a great player and one of the best players in Asia, and his winning the award is considered well-deserved, and I am happy for him, and the entire Al-Sadd family is also happy for him, and I hope that he will help us strongly. In today’s match.
Romain Saiss: We are playing for three points
Moroccan Romain Saiss described Al-Zaeem’s confrontation against Al-Wasl, UAE, as strong and difficult. He said, “Al-Wasl is a good team and the match will be at a high level. We are happy with such matches, and they have been well prepared. Our goal is to come out with a positive result, which is victory and three points.”
He added: Al-Wasl is presenting strong matches, especially in the Champions League competition, and the match will be on its home field. We know the strength and difficulty of the match. We want to get match points to continue progressing in the Asian elite ranking table.
Regarding Akram Afif winning the Best Player in Asia award, the Al-Sadd defender said: Akram is a good player and he is also a good person. He works every day with strength and enthusiasm. Last season was decisive for the club and the national team, and I wish him more and development in the future.