Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Al Shorta coach Thair Jassam Homi is looking for his team to make clear their AFC Cup title credentials by defeating three-time champions Kuwait SC in their Round of 16 clash on Wednesday and booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Despite crashing out in the group stage in their debut campaign in the continental competition last year, the Iraqi champions have enjoyed a more successful time in their second appearance and topped Group B ahead of Jordan’s Al Jazeera, Wad Alnes of Palestine and Bahraini club Al Hidd.
And Al Shorta’s domestic form is also in good shape. Last Friday, Homi’s side followed up their undefeated record in the regular season championship, with a 0-0 draw with Baghdad in the final stage play-off that keeps them in pole position.
“We prepared very well for the match and the spirits of our players are high. Our target is to achieve the most important result for us in the competition as we want to advance to the quarter-finals,” said Homi.
“We will be playing against an experienced team who achieved good results in the competition. However, this will not stop us as our ambition is to win the title and hopefully we can achieve our target.”
Defender Ali Bahjat will return to the team after missing the 4-0 win over Al Jazeera in their last Group B game through suspension.
Meanwhile, newly-crowned Kuwaiti champions Kuwait SC will have two absentees for the tie at Doha’s Grand Hamad Stadium as forward Ahmad Hazzam and midfielder Waleed Aly have both been ruled out through injuries.
“Our ambition is to continue our good run in the competition and the match against Al Shorta will be decisive. The winner of the match will deservedly qualify to the quarter-finals of the competition,” said Kuwait SC coach Mohammad Ebrahim, who saw his side finish second behind Syrian side Al Jaish in Group D.
“We are ready for the match and I hope that we can win and qualify to the next round. Al Shorta are a strong team and their match will not be easy but I hope that winning the local league will give the players a big push.”
Photo: WSG