Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuwait City: Abdulaziz Hamada hopes to continue his smooth transition as the new coach of two-time defending AFC Cup champions Kuwait SC by securing a place in the quarter-finals with victory over Bahrain’s Al Riffa at Kuwait S.C. Stadium.
Hamada was appointed after Kuwait SC opted to terminate the contract of Romanian coach Marin Ion, who had led the side through the group stage of the AFC Cup this year as well as to their back-to-back triumphs in the competition in both 2012 and 2013.
And Hamada enjoyed the ideal start to his tenure as Kuwait SC won the Emir Cup after edging Qadsia SC on penalties following a 1-1 draw last week.
Hamada, though, will be without midfielder Mohammad Al Azmi against Al Riffa due to suspension.
“We will be looking to retain the title although our task will not be easy. We have good motivation after recently winning Kuwait Emir Cup and this victory gave us a big push before the match tomorrow,” said Hamada.
“We hope that the fans will support us as we are representing Kuwait in the competition and hopefully we can continue our run and advance to the next stage.”
While Kuwait SC won Group B, Riffa finished second in Group D behind Iraq’s Arbil.
And Riffa also head into the game on the back of a victory after Florin Motroc’s side beat Busaiteen 2-1 at the start of May.
“The match is very important and hard for the two sides as there are no options but to win because it’s only one encounter,” said Riffa coach Motroc.
“We know that Kuwait SC have good experience in the competition, but we will fight in order to go through.
“The match will be very tactical because both sides know each other well and they know the strengths and weaknesses.
“We hope that the players will be at their best in order to have a good performance and win the match.”