Doha, Qatar – Al Gharafa prepares to face Sharjah in the opening match of the Qatar-UAE Super Cup, a series of contests designed to foster sporting ties between the neighboring nations. The highly anticipated clash will take place at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium tonight, with Al Gharafa aiming to capitalize on their strong domestic form. This competition provides a unique platform for clubs from both countries to compete for prestige and bragging rights.
The inaugural Qatar-UAE Super Cup features four matches across both nations, beginning with Al Gharafa versus Sharjah. The series aims to build on the existing footballing relationship between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, offering competitive fixtures outside of continental competitions. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM Doha time.
Al Gharafa Confident Ahead of Qatar-UAE Super Cup
Al Gharafa’s coach, Pedro Martins, expressed his team’s readiness for the challenge, stating that winning the Super Cup is a key objective. According to Martins, the team is in good form and understands the significance of representing Qatar in this competition. He emphasized the importance of the title for the players, coaching staff, and fans.
The Qatari side currently leads the Qatar Stars League (QSL), demonstrating their consistent performance throughout the season. They will be nearly at full strength, with only Mohammed Muntari unavailable due to injury. The attacking prowess of Yacine Brahimi, Ferjani Sassi, and Joselu will be crucial to their strategy.
However, Al Gharafa will be looking to avenge a previous defeat against Sharjah. The Emirati club secured a 4-3 victory over Al Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite round in September, a result Martins acknowledged but believes will not influence tonight’s match. He indicated that a different tactical approach will be employed.
Sharjah Focused on Performance, Not Location
Sharjah’s coach, Jose Morais, conveyed confidence in his team’s ability to compete, focusing on their own performance rather than specifically countering Al Gharafa’s strengths. Morais acknowledged the individual talent within the Al Gharafa squad, specifically mentioning Joselu’s capabilities.
Despite playing away from home, Morais dismissed any concerns about a disadvantage. He stated his experience includes achieving victories in challenging environments and views the opponent’s stadium as simply part of the competition. This mindset reflects Sharjah’s ambition to claim the Super Cup title.
Sharjah winger Caio Lucas echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing his team’s readiness for a difficult match. He emphasized a lack of pressure and a determination to win for their supporters. The team is hoping to deliver a positive result and showcase their skills on Qatari soil.
The Qatar-UAE Super Cup continues tomorrow with a Challenge Shield match between Al Wahda and Al Duhail at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Subsequent matches will see Al Sadd host Shabab Al Ahli on Saturday, and Al Jazira face Al Ahli on Sunday, also in Abu Dhabi. These fixtures will determine winners in the Super Shield and Challenge Cup categories.
Looking ahead, the success of this inaugural Super Cup will likely determine whether it becomes a recurring event in the regional football calendar. Organizers will be assessing fan engagement, logistical challenges, and the overall competitive balance of the matches. The performance of both Qatari and Emirati clubs in these games will be closely watched as a gauge of their respective league strengths.
