90 minutes will decide everything… and there is no room for mistakes
We are thirsty for victory and titles…and qualifying is our only goal
We will fight to the end to get through
All roads lead to the final… Al-Duhail will not accept anything other than victory
Hours before the anticipated summit, and in an atmosphere of excitement, Qatari fans are anticipating one of the strongest confrontations of the season when Al-Duhail meets Al-Sadd in the semi-finals of the Emir Cup. A confrontation that cannot be divided into two, carrying within it a struggle between the league champion and a team looking to save its season. Rather, it is a heavy-caliber football clash, whose title is pride and response.
Al-Duhail attack star Edmilson broke his silence and opened his heart to “Al-Arab” in this special interview, speaking frankly about the challenges, ambitions, and secrets of the awaited confrontation. Between legitimate ambition and the desire for compensation, Al-Duhail enters the confrontation while realizing that there is no room for mistakes. Edmilson’s words in his interview with us reflect the spirit of challenge within the team, and confirm that the summit against Al Sadd will not be just a match… but rather a football battle entitled: “Who deserves the final?” Below are the details of the dialogue.
Everyone agrees that your match with Al-Sadd will be final, prematurely. Do you agree with that?
Yes, I think it is a premature final in every sense of the word. We will face a strong and difficult team like Al Sadd, but on the other hand, we also have quality and capabilities. The match will not be easy for both parties. It will be an open conflict, and the small details will decide everything.
Al-Duhail did not perform as expected this season, and its fans fear for their team against the league champions.. What do you respond?
It is true that we will face Al Sadd, which won the league title, while we in Al Duhail have not achieved any championship yet, despite the rich squad that we have. Unfortunately, the injuries that struck the team throughout the season, and we did not play with a complete formation, is what affected us a lot. I say to our fans that we are prepared and prepared for the opponent, and we will spare no effort to emerge from this confrontation with the visa to qualify for the final match.
Is the big win over Al Arabi a real incentive to achieve victory over Al Sadd?
This win restored our confidence. Despite the absences, we performed well and proved that we are capable of performing at a great level, and this is what we will show against Al Sadd. This match gave us a great morale boost before facing Al Sadd, and will encourage us to do our best.
What do Al-Duhail miss?
The team includes excellent elements, and the technical and administrative staff are doing a wonderful job, but luck was not with us this season. This is not an excuse, but it is a reality. Now we have a chance to change everything.. As players, we feel dissatisfied because Al-Duhail is a big team that should always compete for titles.
What are your expectations for the confrontation?
I expect that the match will be full of excitement and suspense, and this is what everyone loves. 90 minutes will determine who will qualify for the final, and I think we will watch a great match and the team that will be more focused and take advantage of opportunities will be closest to victory.
You will face a strong competitor who has a strong offensive line. How will you deal with him?
Yes, Al Sadd have a strong offensive line, but they have some points that can be exploited defensively. We will play cautiously and intelligently and try to capitalize on any possible opportunity.
How do you see the chances of the two teams?
I think the chances are equal between the two teams. We played against them twice in the league, we drew one and lost the other, but cup matches are always different.
What are Al-Duhail’s chances of winning this match?
We are hungry for victory and coronation. We have a great opportunity to make up for what we missed this season and return the team to its normal position. We hope to make our day and delight our fans who expect a lot from us.
How is the coach’s relationship with the players?
Coach Jamal Belmadi is doing a great job, and he has a lot of experience. He is also not satisfied with the results of the season, but our relationship with him is excellent, and we believe that together we can achieve something important.
A final word
Al-Duhail does not enter the confrontation as a second party, but rather as a competitor ready to topple the champion. Everyone within the team wants a different end to this season and we will not give up on cutting off the qualification visa. We invite our fans to come to the stadium and promise them that we will do everything in our power to make them happy.