We must maintain our momentum, says Gharafa coach Gourcuff

Doha: Al Gharafa coach Christian Gourcuff said his side want to build on their thumping victory against Al Khor when they take on Al Shahania in the QNB Stars League on Friday.

Two goals apiece from Wesley Sneijder and Mehdi Taremi helped Gharafa crush 10-man Khor last week, but the Cheetahs need a victory against Shahania to be on track for a top-four finish.

“We must maintain the momentum by continuing our good performance. We are very satisfied with the outcome of our last match (6-0 win over Al Khor),” said Gourcuff, who revealed that they would be missing Abdulaziz Hatem and Khalid Abdulrraouf, through injuries.

“We look forward to becoming better despite the absence of some players, most notably Abdulaziz Hatem and Khalid Abdulrraouf, through injuries. However, we are looking to push some young players and hope to beat Al Shahania,” said Gourcuff.

Meanwhile, Al Sadd take on a tricky Umm Salal in a crucial match. Sadd, who lost to Persepolis in the semifinal of the AFC Champions League despite holding the Iranians to 1-1 draw in Tehran, proved that they had not completely recovered from that heartbreak when they lost 1-4 to Al Ahli last week.

The Wolves can’t afford to drop any more points as Duhail have already opened up an eight-point lead over them even though Sadd have a game in hand.

In the other matches this week, Qatar SC take on Al Rayyan, Al Khor play Al Ahli, Al Duhail play Al Arabi and Al Kharaitiyat face Al Sailiya.