Tribune News Network

Doha

Al Rayyan will take on United Arab Emirates’ Shabab Al Ahli in a strong contest for the Challenge Shield of the Qatar-UAE Super Cup at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. The kick-off is at 6pm.

The Lions enter the match following on the heels of their recent morale-boosting 6- 2 win over Umm Salal in Week 12 of the Ooredoo Stars League, and will strive to keep up the momentum despite the difference in competition between the two tournaments - the league and the Challenge Shield.

Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge said, "It is a great thing to reach this stage, and now we play for a title, but this is a responsibility for the technical staff, the coach and the players. It is a strong challenge and we will aim for the title.”

He added: "I know Paulo Sousa, the coach of the Shabab Al Ahli team very well, his capabilities and his professional career, and I know the rivals and the team’s collective and individual capabilities. The good thing is that our team’s mentality is to achieve victory. The players would need the support of the fans who give them strength inside the stadium.”

Al Rayyan player Andre Amaro said, "We have implemented what the coach asked of us, and we corrected some mistakes. We will enter the next match with a winning mentality, and take the positive things from the last match, and at the same time work to correct the flaws. The new coach has come with new ideas, and we will face the rivals with enthusiasm, ferocity and without fear,” he added.

Shabab Al Ahli’s Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa, said, "I am happy to be in Doha, and it is also a great thing to be at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. It will be competitive and at a high level decided on small details. This is how the finals are, and from our side we need to be at the highest levels of focus and work well and give our best to achieve what is required.”

Shabab Al Ahli player Saeed Ezzat said: "We respect Al Rayyan and we know the team and their players and how strong they are, but we have one goal which is to win all the championships and compete for the titles.”

The second edition of the Qatari-UAE Super Cup has the participation of 8 clubs - 4 Qatari teams, and 4 Emirati teams, competing among themselves for 4 titles.

The organizing committee announced completed readiness to host the match between Al Rayyan and Shabab Al Ahli.

During a press conference, Qatar Football Association (QFA) Head of Media Ali Al Salat said 14,000 tickets for the clash "so far”.

He added the Challenge Shield champions will receive QR2m while the runners-up will be presented QR1m.

Captain Sultan Fahad Al Musallam, the Security Officer of the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium facility, confirmed that the security committee is fully prepared.

Director of the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium Facility Abdullah Al Menhali informed the gates will be opened for fans at 4pm.