Determined Al Duhail up against youthful Al Gharafa

Al Duhail and Al Gharafa will step out of Al Sadd’s absolute dominance in recent years, when the two sides clash in the final of the 50th edition of Amir Cup on Friday.For once, on Friday at the Khalifa International Stadium, the spotlight won’t be on Sadd, who had won the Amir Cup and QNB Stars League title in the last two seasons. Duhail snuffed Sadd’s hopes of a hat-trick of Amir Cup titles, when they edged out their arch-rivals in the semi-finals on Monday and will start as a firm favourite to win their fourth title. With coach Luis Castro also bidding adieu to Duhail after the final, the players will be no short of inspiration for the high stakes contest. Having said that, Al Gharafa’s youthful brigade could spring a surprise with a special atmosphere of the Amir Cup final spurring them on. Both sides have been inconsistent this season, but Duhail, having finished second behind Sadd in the league, possess the firepower. Their attacking trio Michael Olunga, Edmilson and Qatari star Almoez Ali will be difficult to stop for a wobbly Gharafa defence.Olunga, in particular, has been in sensational form since the Kenya striker joined Duhail two seasons ago. The 27-year-old was the top scorer at the recently-concluded QNB Stars League with 24 goals and was the key reason Duhail finished second in the top flight.Edmilson, Olunga’s main assist provider from the wings, said no team is a favourite in a Cup final. “In Cup games, no team has more chances of winning. It's completely different from league games,” the Belgian said yesterday. “The chances are the same, for us and for Al Gharafa. We will try our best to win this trophy for our club, our fans, and as a farewell gift for our coach. Playing at a FIFA World Cup venue is a big honour. Tomorrow's final will be a sporting carnival, and not just any normal game,” he added.Castro, in his last match in charge of Duhail, believes his players will need to cut down on minor mistakes if they want to emerge victorious today. “Al Gharafa deserves to be in the final. They have shown a different level in the Amir Cup as compared to the QSL. In order to win the final, we need to avoid all errors, major and minor. I have a great group of players and I have full confidence in them,” the Portuguese coach said. Gharafa, who beat Al Wakrah 4-1 in the semis, will be aiming for their eighth Amir Cup title and first since 2012. They finished fifth in the league, with their defence frailties being exposed on numerous occasions. Gharafa lost to Duhail both times they faced them in the league and it will take a mighty effort for them to beat their fancied rivals today.Gharafa’s hopes hinge on Sofiane Hanni, with the Algerian midfielder posing the biggest threat in attack. They also have Cheick Diabate and Ahmed Alaaeldin, who could provide them goals. Coach Andrea Stramaccioni said his side ‘deserved’ to be in the final and will have an uphill task against Duhail. “We deserve to reach the Amir Cup final because we displayed strong performances in every game that we played in the tournament,” the Italian said yesterday. “We will face one of the best clubs in Qatar, and also in Asia. We have the character of champions, although our club hasn't won a title recently. I am happy with my work at Al Gharafa. We are working hard to reach the point we wish to go, and I hope all our fans will be there tomorrow to support us,” he added. Gharafa left-back Homam El Amin was excited to play in his first Amir Cup final. “Our goal is to win the trophy after a long gap. We hope we can make it up to our fans by winning the title. We have overcome the disappointment of losing out on fourth place in the QSL. All the players are excited for tomorrow's game. We will go into the game with all our strength. I am excited to play in my first final,” he said.