(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Al Gharafa are determined not to let a trophy slip away from their hands for the second time this season when they take on Al Rayyan in the final of the Qatar Cup tomorrow.
A few weeks ago, Al Gharafa were presented with a golden chance to win the Qatar Basketball League but El Jaish gatecrashed their party to clinch the decider 74-65.
Al Gharafa were on a 14-match winning streak until that defeat, and coach Koussay Hatem is not taking matters for granted in tomorrow's final even though Al Rayyan seem to have lost a bit of their spark following the retirement of their talisman Yaseen Ismail Mousa.
'Yes we missed the league title by losing against El Jaish but since then we have put our heart and soul into every game, every practice session, he told reporters during a press conference.
'We have not lost our focus. The players know their responsibility. They were disappointed with their loss against El Jaish and they are more than determined to make up for it, added Hatem whose team defeated Qatar Sports Club 98-59 in the semi-finals.
But Hatem also warned his players against complacency.
'Al Rayyan have a good system. They are equally good in offence as well as defence. I am sure the match will not be easy for both teams.
Al Gharafa will be relying mostly on their trusted American professionals Sammy Monroe and Michael Taylor to wrap up the title.
Monroe was the top-scorer for his side against Qatar Sports Club in the semis with 25 points, while Taylor was second-best with 18.
'Of course Sammy and Michael are key players in our side but we are much more than that. There are several other players who can make a difference with their performances on any given day, he added.
Al Gharafa player Omar Abdelkader Salem also promised a tough fight.
'Everybody knows that Al Rayyan have been the most successful team in Qatar for a long time. Facing them every time is a challenge and in a final it will be especially so, Salem said.
'However, as the coach said, we are determined to fight it out and make the season count, he added.
Al Rayyan coach Hassan Amin exuded confidence his team can make up for their somewhat below-par performance so far this season.
'I hope we are able to retain our title, said Amin. 'We have been practicing hard and the boys are highly motivated, he said.
Al Rayyan's performance in the league left a lot to be desired. They even suffered a heart-breaking 86-55 defeat to eventual winners El Jaish that caused much dismay in the management and among the team.
'We can't keep harping on what happened in the past,' coach Amin said. 'We are preparing day and night and we keep getting better. But our ambition is not limited to entering the final. We want to win it and also go on to excel in the GCC championship.
Amin lauded Al Gharafa for the progress they have made in recent years.
'They have improved over the years. We will play to win but if the other team wins we will offer them our congratulations.
The match will be played at Al Rayyan Club.
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