Al Duhail goalkeeper Shihab Al Laithi expressed his confidence in his team’s ability to achieve a positive result in their match versus Al Sadd in the Ooredoo Cup semifinal round, and that the team is ready despite the fact that they are suffering from some missing players. Al Laithi replied to many of the questions we asked him…

• A new confrontation brings our team together with our rival Al Sadd. How do you see this match?
  It will certainly be an enjoyable match for the fans and difficult for both teams. The two teams are an open book in light of the many confrontations that brought us together in the recent period, and we will work with all our might to achieve victory.
• How do you see the readiness of your team in light of the absences?
  Since the start of the season, the team has been suffering from absences, and we went through the first rounds of the league without our international players. During the season, many injuries occurred that made us lose the efforts of a large number of players, but everyone is ready and eager to win a place in the coach’s starting squad.
• What are your weapons in this match?
  The main weapon for us is our desire to win the title, which will give us motivation on the field to implement the instructions of the coaching staff and work to achieve victory.

How did you prepare for this confrontation?
Our preparations came in the normal way that we are following since the beginning of the season, but the difference in this match is that we are aware that it is a knock-out game, with only one team qualifies for the final match.

• Did Edmilson’s absence affect the team’s offensive strength?
  Edmilson is a distinguished player, and he is one of the main pillars of our team, and his absence certainly affects us, but the substitutes are present and the technical staff is able to put together the perfect squad, and the spirit of the group will cover the absence of any player, as everyone works for one goal, which is to crown the team with titles.
• Do you expect huge support in this match from the fans?
  Our fans will not let us down. Their presence with us throughout the past period is sufficient. They will certainly be present in the venue on the matchday to play their part and give us additional strength to work harder and make them happy and achieve the expected result in this important confrontation.