Al Markhiya coach Madjid Bougherra spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 20 match against Al Ahli.

“All matches have been very important for us for a long time and we still have four matches to fight and continue in the league, the more the end of which approaches, the more important the matches become.

“As you can see now, the difference between us and Muaither is six points and eight points with Qatar SC. We still have hope and so far we are there, and we believe we can do it.

“The players performed well in the last match. When a team is at the end of the table, sometimes all the details are against it, as happened in the previous match. Such as the penalty kick or corner kick that resulted in the second goal in the last minute of the match. This is football and we need to continue the struggle and that, God-willing, we will be able to do that.

“Regarding the absence of Yosupha Njie from the main lineup in the last round, I would say he was injured and he was not 100 per cent ready to play, and we preferred not to risk his participation. I am sure he will return. We are not just 11 players, we are a team and I think everyone will come back read,” said Bougherra.

Al Markhiya goalkeeper Louay Ashour said, “As players, we fully prepare for each match and we were not lucky in the previous match against Al Sadd after we were very close to victory, and also in the Al Duhail match. Therefore, the Al Ahli match is pivotal and we hope to compensate through it. It will also be a motivation to achieve victory in the upcoming matches.

“Winning the next two matches, against Al Ahli and Al Gharafa will help us in our fight for survival.”