Al Ahli eye victory over Al Shahania as Amir Cup quarter-finals kick off

Doha, Qatar: Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan has called on his players to raise their game as they prepare to face Al Shahania in the opening Amir Cup quart...

Doha, Qatar: Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan has called on his players to raise their game as they prepare to face Al Shahania in the opening Amir Cup quarter-final clash at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium today.

Having secured fourth place in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), the Brigadiers enter the match as favourites. In the league matches between the two sides, Al Ahli were the stronger team, holding Al Shahania to a 1-1 draw in the first leg before edging them 3-2 in the return fixture.

However, Biscan stressed that knockout matches bring a different kind of pressure and intensity.

“Our team has shown good attacking qualities, but we must also stay solid at the back. Amir Cup matches demand a different mindset than league games,” Biscan said during a press conference yesterday.

“We need to treat every game like a final. Our focus must be sharp, especially against Al Shahania. Cup matches are full of passion and unpredictability, and each side will be pushing hard to advance.”