Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd are hot favourites to lift the Amir Cup for a record-extending 19th time but coach Wesam Rizk has warned his side of a threat from spirited Qatar SC in today’s highly-anticipated final at the Education City Stadium. The reigning Expo Stars League (ESL) champions have dominated Qatar SC this season beating them 3-1 and 3-0 in the top flight but coach Youssef Al Noubi-led side has been completely a different outfit in the prestigious tournament. With their never-say-die approach, Qatar SC stunned fancied Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa – both in penalty shootouts – to enter the title clash for the first time in 20 years.
Rizk, who is a former Qatar SC coach, was not “surprised” to see Al Noubi’s men in the final. “Qatar SC deserve to be here as they are ambitious and are playing with a lot of fighting spirit. I am expecting a tough and thrilling final,” the Al Sadd coach told reporters on the eve of the final.
“There are no favourites and both the teams will have equal chances when the final will kick off. We have given our best to prepare and our target is to win the trophy.” Al Sadd also had a tough path in the tournament as they had to overcome Al Wakrah and Al Duhail to qualify for the final.
“We took one match at a time and succeeded through our teamwork. I am happy to have the likes of Akram Afif and Baghdad Bounedjah in our ranks,” said Rizk The Wolves, who are Qatar’s most decorated club, failed to win a single title last season, .
