Al Markhiya coach Bougherra spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 22 match against Umm Salal.

“We must continue fighting until the end and obtain points from the next match against Umm Salal in the 22nd and final week of Expo Stars League, or come out with a point at the very least, to maintain the position.

“The match with Umm Salal is no less important than previous games, and we must deal with it as a final, but without greater pressure than the pressure that the team faced in its recent matches.

“We know that Umm Salal won in the previous round and they had a very good season, but now it is our turn to finish the hard work that we did during all the past months in which we endured hardships, and we must endure more so that we do not regret this match. We must continue to act with the same mentality that characterized the team in previous rounds, in order to obtain the result of this match.

“I am happy and proud of the players and the wonderful performance they gave,” said Bougherra.

Al Markhiya player Talal Ali said, “The preparations to face Umm Salal are no different from their preparations for previous matches. The players realize the extent of the responsibility that falls on their shoulders. The team is working hard in order to obtain points in the match.

“The team’s performance in the past rounds was characterized by teamwork and this is what we look forward to in the next match against Umm Salal.”