Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 5 match against Al Sadd.

“We are ready to play this important match against one of the strong contenders to win the league title.

“Our team is going into the match with a different strategy, especially since we also want to compete for the league title, like Al Sadd.

“Al Sadd are stronger than Al Duhail in some aspects and vice-versa. They are two big teams and we succeeded in defeating one of them and that was important for us. An important match awaits us on Thursday and we will be ready and we have the desire to continue achieving successes this season.

“I am satisfied with the technical performance of players. In football, things may change for the better or for the worse, and we must be prepared to deal with all circumstances, and we still have many matches ahead of us.

“Regarding the participation of Homam Al Ameen and Fabricio Diaz, I would say I hope both players will play. What I know is that Homam does not suffer from any problems and, after five days have passed since an injury of this type, I believe that he is able to play. That is what I am waiting for, because he is an important player. He is now under the responsibility of the national team and we are waiting.

As for Fabricio Diaz, I am also waiting and the matter is related to administrative and organizational, so I cannot confirm his participation. Technically he is ready to play.

“Fan attendance is important for the players. They will enjoy the matches and be proud of the team,” said Martins.

Al Gharafa goalkeeper Yousef Hassan said, “The team’s morale is high, especially after the victory over Al Duhail in the last round, which is a  positive thing in view of the good condition of the team with the positive results it has achieved. It was an indication of good things to come. The team has some good memories and good results.

“We have a strong desire to win against Al Sadd and it will be an offensive match because every team seeks to win, as our victory over Al Sadd increases our chances to win the title.”