Al Sulaiti gives rallying call to Al Arabi fans

2/18/2016 4:06:26 PM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)

Doha: Al Arabi fans are being urged to get behind the Dream Team during their crunch encounter against QSL leaders Al Rayyan on Saturday at Al Sadd Stadium.

Gianfranco Zola’s men have hit form in the last few weeks after victories over Al Gharafa and Lekhwiya.

And they will face a Lions’ side missing some key players including captain and top scorer Rodrigo Tabata who suffered a hamstring injury during Rayyan’s victory over Al Khor.

Arabi’s head of football Ali Al Sulaiti said: “This is a crucial match and we need our fans to come and support us. The players are working very hard in training and are excited to face Al Rayyan.

Matches between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan are always tough and competitive – and we expect no difference this weekend.” Al Sulaiti said he was pleased with Arabi’s recent improvement which has seen them move up to fourth place in the QSL.

He added: “The team is improving – our recent form has been very good. However we will need to be at our best to beat Al Rayyan. Even though they have some injuries we know it will be a difficult game. Rayyan have a good squad and quality replacements.”

Meanwhile Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah said he is delighted to return to training following a long injury lay-off.

The Algerian has missed the last three months after suffering an injury while on loan with Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel.

Bounedjah suffered a broken ankle during the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final which Etoile won after beating Orlando Pirates over two legs.

Bounedjah said: “I’m really pleased to be back. It’s been a difficult period for me. Being out injured is a big challenge. This was also the most serious injury I’ve suffered in my career. I needed determination and belief to overcome it but I’m feeling strong again.”

Algerian international Bounedjah is now hoping to make an impact with Al Sadd. The Peninsula

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