Al Duhail First Football Team Head Coach Christophe Galtier confirmed his dissatisfaction with the loss suffered by the team today to Al Sadd in Round 16 of the Ooredoo Stars League during the statements he made after the end of the match.

Galtier opened his statements by saying: Of course, the result is disappointing for all of us, but the turning point in the match was the moment Bamba was sent off with a red card in the second half. We started the first half well after we succeeded in imposing our style on the field against Al Sadd relied on, and indeed they were able to create some dangerous opportunities, as were we, and the equality in play continued for a full hour of the match. During that period, we were well organized at the collective level.

He added: The red card turned everything upside down. We could have also benefited from the expulsion of one of Al Sadd players after he deliberately hurt Bamba without the ball. However, Bamba was sent off for a mistake that, in my opinion, was correct but minor. The opposing player was not sent off and the referee merely cautioned him.

He went on: After the expulsion, the match became more difficult. We had some chances to come back before Al Sadd second goal, especially from set pieces and rebounds inside the penalty area, but we did not take advantage of them in the best way. However, we are still at the top of the standing table with 6 rounds remaining in the competition, which we must win all of them.

He concluded: We have to continue working and maintain the team spirit and work as one group. The next match is versus Al Shahania at our home ground. In the first round, we won against Al Sadd and then lost to Al Shahania. This time, the situation is different and we have to work to preserve the remaining points. Unfortunately, next week, our team will be without captain Al Moez Ali and Ibrahim Bamba, but we will work hard throughout the week in preparation for this important match.