Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Coach Sabri Lamouchi insists El Jaish are well prepared for the AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg against the United Arab Emirates' Al Nasr at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday.
The Qatari side are making their first ever appearance in the last eight of the continental competition, after seeing off countrymen Lekhwiya 6-4 on aggregate in the last 16.
And while Lamouchi has added to his squad by bringing in the experienced former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, the Frenchman will be unable to call on the injured four-goal hitman Hamedallah Abderrazzaq.
“Nobody could have imagined El Jaish would be in this position,” said Lamouchi. “Of course it won’t be an easy game, but we have been training in the United Arab Emirates for three weeks and we are happy to play this game.
“I feel the pressure for all the games, but we always play to win and the players know that. We have the determination; I prefer to play the first leg away, but we are ready for this.”
El Jaish had earlier qualified for the knockout phase for only the second time by winning Group D, while also claiming an impressive double over another Emirati side in inaugural winners Al Ain.
The Qatar Stars League side then continued their impressive run in eliminating Lekhwiya as both Brazilian Romarinho and Moroccan Abderrazzaq took their respective tournament tallies to four goals.
ACL Quarter-finals: KEY PLAYER: SARDOR RASHIDOV – El Jaish
Lamouchi will now look to Mali international Keita to help El Jaish reverse a trend of two successive home wins in the continental competition.
“Before we talk about Seydou Keita, I want to remind you that he is here because Hamedallah is injured,” added Lamouchi. “I want to wish him well and we are waiting for him to return.
“It will be Seydou’s first official game. We need his experience for tomorrow and in the Qatar Star League. Of course he’s a big name and hopefully he will do well.”
Captain Mohammad Abdurahman, meanwhile, is looking for his team to maintain their form as El Jaish aim to become the first Qatari side to reach the last four since Al Sadd in 2011.
“It’s a great opportunity to do well at Asian level. We will try hard to please our fans.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports