Al Markhiya coach Sultan Al Musaifiri spoke to the media ahead of their 2024-2025 season Play-Off match against Umm Salal.

“This match represents the culmination of a full season of hard work, planning and sacrifice. We faced tough competition in the Second Division league and were able to deservedly secure second place, thanks to the determination and great discipline shown by the players and the continuous support of the club management and administrative staff.

“From the final whistle of the last league match, we began preparing for this match with full focus. We worked on preparing the players physically to regain their energy and psychologically to relieve the pressure and motivate them to enter the match with the utmost mental readiness. We are aware of the magnitude of the challenge facing a team the size of Umm Salal, but we have the confidence, ambition and players capable of making a difference.

“I have complete confidence in the Al Markhiya players, not only for their skills, but also for their commitment and high fighting spirit. They know exactly what this match means, and they have proved time and again throughout the season that they are the men who can handle difficult situations. This group deserves the opportunity to play in the Qatar Stars League and I am confident that they will rise to the occasion and give their all in this crucial encounter,” said Sultan Al Musaifiri.

Al Markhiya captain Ibrahim Masoud said, “We, as players, are fully aware of the importance of this match. This is a historic opportunity to take the team to its rightful place among Qatar Stars League clubs. All players feel a sense of responsibility and we know that what is required is complete focus and a fighting spirit from the first minute until the final whistle.

“We have had a distinguished season by all standards. We faced strong opponents and we succeeded in reaching this stage thanks to teamwork and commitment in every detail. Now we have 90 minutes to cap it off and we will do our best to achieve victory and dedicate the promotion ticket to the management and everyone who supported us throughout the season.

“We promise everyone that we will enter the match with a winning mentality because Al Markhiya deserve to be among the first division clubs.”