QSL online caught up with Umm Salal’s  team manager Mohamed Moussa ahead of QSL match of the week against Al Arabi. To get these thoughts on the tie, which will see two rivals for the Qatar Cup places face-off in a winner takes all game.

“This is going to be a tough one to call; both teams can win on their day. We will do our best to grab the win.” Claimed Moussa, ahead of the match on Saturday evening at Al Arabi stadium.

Moussa assured that the squad is in good spirits before the game. However, Salal will be missing out on long term absentee’s Khamis Al Malki and Nasser Khalfan. “We wish players all the best in their recovery. They have been important players for us this season, despite this I feel we have the squad to cover for them in this match.”

Confidence is high at Umm Salal who currently sits ahead of Al Arabi in the race for the Qatar Cup places in fifth place.  “We are capable of defeating Al Arabi but we have to at our best, Umm Salal have missed lots of points in the previous games due to the lack of concentration, we have to be mentally strong” noted Moussa.

Umm Salal have been strengthened in recent weeks with the return of strikers Yannick Sagno and  Mounir El Hamdaou, a duo which Moussa belives could have a major say in the result on Saturday evening. “Both players are now back and fully fit. They are both key players and have big roles to play in this side.”

Commenting on Umm Salal’s Qatar Cup places he said: “There is still hope to get into the Qatar Cup, albeit a small one. We will fight until the end, and get the most possible points from the final three games in the league.”

Looking back at the season as a whole Moussa stressed his satisfaction of his sides preformances: “We are satisfied with the team and what they have achieved, but we are confident we can build on the league finish, and push hard in the Emir Cup.”

Umm Salal are currently in fifth place in the QSL standings, and will play Al Arabi in the QSL match of the week on Saturday at Al Arabi stadium, KO 18:15pm.