Ferreira: We are capable of clinching the title against Al-Ahli

Al-Sadd head coach Jesualdo Ferreira stressed on the importance of his team’s 2-2 draw with Al-Duhail in the QNB Stars League summit clash, adding that they had two games remaining to clinch the league.

Speaking at the post-match, Ferreira said: “We knew the diffculty of the game. Al-Duhail has players of a high calibre and they had a big desire to win this game. In the first half, we were the better side but we missed a penalty before Baghdad’s goal and we wasted many other chances.”

“In the second half, Al-Duhail dominated and I don’t know why played the way we did. But we managed to come back in the last minute and score the equaliser after luck favoured us. I think the result is fair and I am happy with it.”

As for the upcoming game against Al-Ahli, Ferreira said: “Al-Ahli are a strong side and defeated us in the first phase. They have the objective of reaching the top four and we are looking to be crowned as champions. Our goal will only be to win so that we can lift the title.”

He added: “There will be huge pressure on us against Al-Ahli but I’m confident in my players and their abilities to successfully navigate this game.”

Asked about the subsitution of Xavi, Ferreira said: “Xavi’s substitution was a technical one so that we could control the midfield. He is coming back from an injury and only played 30 minutes against Al-Sailiyah. His substitution proved to be beneficial for us, from a tactical aspect.”

Finally, the coach concluded by saying: “We are the best side in Qatar this season. We won 11 continuous games and we are the team with the most number of goals in a season in the history of the league. We knew how difficult today’s game was but we were not up to the mark in the second half. However, we are capable of clinching the title in the next game.”