We’re happy to reach the final and we strive to win the cup: Benyettou

Al Wakrah coach Ali Rahma Al Marri spoke to the media ahead of their Qatar Cup 2024 final against Al Rayyan.

“The opponent is a big team. From my point of view, it is the best technical team  as it includes high-level players. And Al Rayyan have the largest fan base in Qatar. I tell them that I am their son and I hope that they will also support me 50-50.

“In the semifinal against Al Sadd, after the first half I tried to change some technical matters, but the players are always the key. I was very confident in the team’s ability to come back despite the difficulty of the match. The scenario is that Al Sadd led by two goals in the first half.

“The victory over Al Sadd was achieved by God’s grace and qualification for the final came after we waited for many years. Al Wakrah, players and fans deserved to qualify for the final and our feeling is absolutely indescribable after being able to achieve it.

“Al Wakrah have a history and good track record, and I have worked with the team since it was in the Second Division. Over the course of six full years of toiling and diligence, I feel that I am working for myself and that this is my home. I did not feel in a rush to assume responsibility as technical director, but when I found the necessity of change, I decided to immediately take responsibility. Players are the ones who make the coach and not the other way round.

“I must thank Sheikh Khalifa bin Hassan Al Thani, the club’s president, for his great support. He was and is still my main supporter, and I thank him very much and tell him that we will try to make him proud and make all our fans happy with the championship. I could not control my tears and, God-willing, we will win the championship as it will be the most beautiful gift for their great and continuous support.

“In terms of fatigue, I would say that these two days are to rest the players before the final and the same applies to Al Rayyan, as both teams face a difficult task,” said Ali Rahma.

Al Wakrah’s Algerian forward Mohamed Benyettou said, “We seek to win the cup despite the difficulty of the match against Al Rayyan.

“Reaching the final made us very happy –players, management and fans alike – because it came as a culmination of many years of effort. Now, we hope that we will have success against a big team like Al Rayyan who have prominent players in all positions.

“This is my fifth season with the team and Al Wakrah have a great history.

“We have a good attack line, with Jacinto Dala and Ayoub Assal also around. But what is more important is the interest of the team and not a specific player.

“I wish for our fans’ support in the final. They are always there for us.”