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Qatar tribune

Tribune News Network

Doha

Al Gharafa are upbeat ahead of their clash with Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in the 7th round (West Zone) of 2024-2025 season AFC Champions League Elite to be played at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Tuesday at 7pm.

Al Gharafa seek to win and advance in the standings, but Pakhtakor will be strong opponents for The Cheetahs.

Al Gharafa are currently in 10th place in the group with four points from a solitary win against Al Ain of the UAE gained at the Al Bayt Stadium, and a draw with Persepolis of Iran.

Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins, while addressing the media on eve of the match, said his team seeks to win but “Will need to be careful of the rivals, who now have a new coach and some new players in the squad.

“We have an appropriate strategy for the matchand we are are aware of Pakhtakor’s style of play, who rely on defensive organization and counter-attacks.”

For his part, Al Gharafa player Jamal Hamad confirmed the team’s readiness to face Pakhtakor, noting that the match will be decided by small details.

He added that the team’s recent positive results, winning five out of six matches in the Qatar Stars League will boost the players’ morale and push them to go for another win against Pakhtakor.

Pakhator’s Portuguese coach Pedro Moreira said his team is aiming for win to stay on course for the Round of 16.

Moreira however said that the task would be difficult given the presence of some top players in Al Gharafa’s ranks, especially in the attack, and which would require Pakhtakor players to focus on their defence.

Pakhtakor player Igor Sergeev also stressed on the difficulty factor, saying that his team will need to exert maximum efforts if they are to score a win in what would be a challenging match.

Al Gharafa had lost to Esteghlal of Iran in the opening round, Al Wasl of the UAE in the third round, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia in the fifth round and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the sixth round.

On the other hand, Pakhtakor are in ninth place with four points and ahead on goal difference from Al Gharafa, after drawing four matches and losing two. Pakhator are yet to notch a win.

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04/02/2025
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