Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 16 match against Al Sadd.

“Our preparations are 100 per cent good in view of the possibility of Homam Al Ameen and Jang playing, and this is a good thing that gives us many options. In this type of match, there is no doubt that it will be a difficult match for the two teams, as each of them is having a wonderful season, and if we exclude the first-leg match, which we lost (0-4), the difference between the two teams remains. We scored as many goals as they did, and I am sure that the team will show up with a positive face. Different from what we were in the first leg in view of fan support, the quality of performance of our players, and the fighting spirit. I am confident that we will win the match.

“Al Sadd have a good team and players who have played together for many years, and we have young players whose level is improving a lot. The general atmosphere in Al Gharafa has changed for the better and the mentality is different and winning is very important to us, but it will not resolve everything and I am sure that the players are aware of the responsibility.

“We are talking about two great players (Yacine Brahim of Al Gharafa and Akram Afif of Al Sadd), but the match will be between Al Gharafa and Al Sadd. Of course, we have our strategy that cannot be revealed and we are not focusing on Afif only. Al Sadd have a good group of players and they have other strengths, and we have to take that into account and work on this basis without abandoning our style, approach and identity. I assure you that it will always be like this, and therefore the strategy is between me and the players only,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa player Ahmed Alaaeldin said, “All players are ready for the match against Al Sadd and we are treating all remaining matches as finals, and facing Al Sadd is no different from any other match. The competitors have players with great experience and the game will be difficult for both teams.

“The chances of the two teams are equal on paper. Al Sadd are the first and we are the second, and there are no major differences between the two teams. We will give everything we have.”