Sadd look to return to winning ways

Doha: The last time Al Sadd played at the Khalifa International Stadium was at the Emir Cup final against Al Rayyan in May which they won and coach Jesualdo Ferreira believes his men can win again as they take on Al Khor in the QNB Stars League on Friday.

“It will be a different game because it is the Khalifa Stadium and we have beautiful memories and I hope we win there again,” Ferreira said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Sadd’s title hopes suffered a big blow last week when they lost to Al Duhail 2-4 in a top-of-the-table clash but equally devastating was the news that they would be without talismanic striker Baghdad Bounedjah who limped out of the field just before the half-time.

Ferreira said he hoped to find a solution for the constant injuries.

“We made too many mistakes against Duhail and we lost Bagdad as well. We didn’t deserve the final scoreline which does not reflect the game. and I hope we can find a solution to the subject of injuries and absences that haunt us since the start of the season,” said Ferreira.

The Portuguese coach would be hoping that Pedro, who has started training again could feature in the game.

“It will be a tough match. We have one or two players with a chance of coming back from injury.  But I don't like to talk about it because it has become a norm for the team,” said Ferreira.

Sadd are third in the table with 21 points, four behind Duhail and trailing Rayyan by three, while Khor are sixth in the table with 10 points.

The match starts at 6.10 pm.