Third placed Al Sadd is looking to the 2016 Qatar Cup as a real opportunity to lift their first piece of silverware under new head coach Jesualdo Ferreira.
The Portuguese coach joined in November when Sadd where struggling to keep up with the early pace set by eventual QSL champions Al Rayyan. However the Wolves have rallied under their new coach and recorded an eight game unbeaten streak, including impressive come from behind win against Lekhwiya and draws with Al Rayyan and El Jaish.
This fine recent form against fellow Qatar Cup contestants could be crucial if Al Sadd are to lift the Qatar Cup trophy on the 29th of April. After struggling defensively in the first half of the season, Al Sadd wasted no time in picking up fromer Al Ahli man Pedro and Iranian international defender Morteza Pouraliganji.
From January onwards the Sadd defence has looked settled and it has allowed the midfield talents of Xavi Hernandez and Ali Asad to develop more. Xavi, is understandably a key part of the Sadd set-up and his deadly accuracy from set-pieces has been a major asset for Sadd this year.
Whilst the energy and running of Asad has ensured that Sadd quickly win the ball against opponents and ensure that their patient, passing game resumes. In Attack and Al Sadd have also been turning to a winter accusation who has improved over the closing weeks of the season.
Striker Bagdad Bounjah is the attacking presence the side has been crying out for. The Algerian is good at holding up the ball and crucially is a deadly finisher. His three goals in six games shows promise for next season.
Al Sadd so head into their crunch semifinal with home advantage, with the competition including the final being played at Al Sadd stadium.
The Wolves be hoping that home advantage can count, if they are going to go all the way and lift the famous Qatar Cup trophy on the 29th of April.