IKOLI VICTOR
Doha
Star forward Akram Afif feels Al Sadd would be able to secure a comfortable win against Persepolis of Iran in their first leg of the AFC Champions League semi-final match at home on Tuesday and stand a chance of reaching the continent's premier club competition final.
The 21-year-old, who was recently named AFC Champions League Toyota Player of the Week, said,"We are determined to settle the result in Doha with a comfortable win before the return match. It is an opportunity for us to play the game on home soil in the midst of our fans and we must exploit it positively.
"It's definitely going to be a tough game. The Iranian team is not an easy competitor and reaching the semi-final is a proof of their strength,"stressed Afif, who scored in both legs of the quarter-final as Al Sadd defeated Tehran's Esteghlal 5-3 on aggregate.
"We have great confidence in our abilities and are determined to provide the best for winning and moving forward in the tournament."
Afif added that Al Sadd has good knowledge of their opponents who arrived Doha on Sunday.
"We have information about Persepolis but we focus more on ourselves than on the competitor. We strive to provide a good level during the match because it is our performance that will bring us the results that we want.
"We promise our fans to be present at the stadium to cheer us and we will achieve a very good result to make them happy. The fans are always supporting us in all tournaments and it is a big motivation for the team."
Meanwhile, Qatar's Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira stepped up preparations for the home clash.
All players attended the training session after their 5-1 victory over Qatar SC in the QNB Stars League on Thursday.
Al Sadd are leading the table with 16 points in the QNB Stars League, ahead of Al Duhail on goal difference.
Qatar international striker Hassan Al Haydous, who was missing in action against Qatar SC as well as Al Rayyan in Week 6 with an injured ankle, also went through the paces.
Dilan Perera of Sri Lanka will officiate the Al Sadd vs Persepolis match, assisted by Priyanga Palliya Guruge and Deniye Gedara. Sanjeeva Wellapada will be the fourth official, and Gamini Nivon and Rowan Arumughan additional referees.
Gautam Khar will be the match commissioner and Chyung Bim Yao the referees' observer.