Lekhwiya, Al Sadd set for Emir Cup final

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Thursday, May 19th 2016 10:17 PM

DOHA: Hosts Al Sadd will take on Lekhwiya in the final of the Emir Cup on Friday knowing they could complete a rare hat-trick of titles win. Coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, Al Sadd come into the event as defending champions while Lekhwiya - who have dominated Qatar Stars League (QSL) in the last half a decade - are aiming for their maiden Emir Cup win. The final game of the season will be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. A full-house is expected to witness the final which will be graced by the Emir, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and other dignitaries. Fans who turn up at the final will get a chance to win 10 Toyota cars along with dozens of other prizes offered through a raffle draw. Al Sadd, who changed coach in mid-November, have a chance to win their first and only silverware of the season. For Lekhwiya, this is clearly their best chance to win the Emir Cup title. Al Sadd finished the regular QSL season in third place while Lekhwiya could only manage the fourth spot after an unimpressive start in September where they lost ground on the top two sides. For Lekhwiya, it will be a tough test since they got hammered against El Jaish in the AFC Champions League clash two days ago. Coach Djamel Belmadi on Thursday admitted his team must do well against the hosts at Al Sadd Stadium on Friday. One of the most successful coaches in the country, Belmadi has done well with Lekhwiya to help them win three QSL Shields in as many years. For coach Ferreira, the veteran Portuguese, Emir Cup final is an opportunity to seal the final day of the season with a title win.