Al Ahli to face Al Rayyan in HH the Emir Volleyball Cup Final
DOHA, May 12, 2018 - While Al Ahli will be hoping to make good of their first HH The Emir Cup final appearance in 22 years, an in-form Al Rayyan will be looking to make an unprecedented sweep by lifting the sixth title this season when the two teams meet at the Qatar Volleyball Association Indoor Hall court at 7pm Saturday.
Rayyan have ruled the season, opening the season with a Super Cup win over Police, before grabbing three more domestic titles including the QVA League, the Qatar National Tournament and the Qatar Cup. They also emerged supreme in the prestigious Arab Clubs Championship.
Despite celebrating so many wins, Rayyan coach Carlos Schwanke is keen on capping the season with a sweep.
“In every tournament, I set a target for the team. I'm very proud that my team has been able to match my expectations. The Amir Cup is also a very special event for us and we'll try to write a new history on Saturday," he said.
Ahli coach Igor Arbutina understands the tough job on his hand. Arbutina, who has coached Rayyan in the past, said, “I'm proud of my team and their efforts in the Amir Cup. We'll like to take our every possible chance to make the final difficult for Al Rayyan and maybe we can spring a surprise on Saturday."
Both the teams reached the final on the back of 2-0 victories, with Al Ahli beating Qatar SC and Al Rayyan getting the better of Al Arabi. With as many as 12 titles in the kitty and title-winning form on their side, Rayyan are the favourites.
Ahli captain Assam Ahmed Mahmoud spoke highly of his players and the coach. “This is the first Amir Cup final for us in 22 years. All the players have contributed immensely and helped us reach the final. Also, coach Igor has prepared all of us well for each match. Congratulations to all for making it to the final.
“We've a difficult final against a champion team like Al Rayyan. We want to tell our fans that we're ready and we need their support in the final." Pro players in the both the teams have played a crucial role in their run in the Amir Cup, and what's interesting is that both Tine Urnaut and Earvin N'Gapeth play for the same team — Modena Volley — in Italy.
Slovenian star Urnaut, who is playing for Ahli, said it was a “strange situation" for both the players. “It's the first time that we are playing against each other as Modena teammates. It is a really strange situation," said Urnaut, who had played for Rayyan two seasons ago when they had lost the semi-finals to El Jaish.
“I'm happy to be playing for Al Ahli and the progress till now has been fantastic. I know that Al Rayyan are the best team in the season, having won everything. We're confident that we'll fight for each ball and point. Also we'll try to do everything that we can and make attempt to win the cup."
N'Gapeth, who is playing in Qatar for the first time, said, “I'm happy to be part of the Al Rayyan team and the event. I hope we win the final which will not only be a big achievement for Al Rayyan but also for Qatar volleyball.
“The presence of Urnaut and me in the final is also a victory for Modena. I feel that it is going to be a tough final as both teams are playing well."
The two teams have clashed thrice in a final of a tournament, with Rayyan winning the 1988-89 Emir Cup and the 1994-95 Heir Apparent Cup, which was changed to Qatar Cup a few season ago.
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