Muaither will aim to create history today as they bid to become the first Second Division side to reach the semi-finals of HH The Amir Cup. For that to happen, Muaither have a tough task ahead of them as they face QNB Stars League side Al Arabi in the quarter-finals at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
Muaither’s Spanish coach Jose Murcia said his team will need to show determination against Arabi, who are enjoying a great season as they are second in the first division.
“Our task will not be easy against Al Arabi, who have a great history. They have some very good players like Rafina, Youssef Al-Masakni, Omar Al-Soma and others. But my players will give their best,” he said. “I want my team to enjoy the match and not take undue pressure.”
Muaither had stunned Al Ahly 3-1 in the last 16, while Al Arabi had defeated Al Shamal 3-0.
Arabi coach Younis Ali urged his side not to take Muaither lightly. “We have all the respect for the Muaither team, who are doing well in the second division,” he said. “They beat Al Ahly in their last match and played at a great level. They showed high quality in performance.”
He explained that Al Arabi’s ambition is huge, but said he was not thinking of winning the Amir Cup yet.
“We want to focus on tomorrow’s match first. Muaither is not an easy opponent,” he said.
In the other last eight matches, Al Gharafa will meet Al Shahania at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium tomorrow. The same stadium will also host the clash between defending champions Al Duhail and Al Sailiya on Monday. Al Sadd and Umm Salal will face off in the last quarter-final the next day at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium. All the quarter-finals will kick off at 9:45pm.
The semi-finals will be played on April 24 and 25 with kick off time set for 6:45pm. The schedule of the final is yet to be announced.
Muaither’s Spanish coach Jose Murcia speaks at a press conference.
