In a move to unify ranks and rally public support, the Al-Ahli club duo, the solid Turkish defender Merih Demiral and the young player Saleh Abu Shamat, sent a direct and enthusiastic message to the “Raqui” fans before the anticipated confrontation against Al-Qadisiyah Club in the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup.
A direct message to the "kings"
In a video posted on Al Ahly's official social media accounts, the players addressed the fans directly, urging them to attend in large numbers. Saleh Abu Shamat began his message with a confident and hopeful statement: "Oh Kings, we'll see you on Friday and celebrate qualification together, God willing.".
For his part, Turkish star Merih Demiral emphasized the crucial importance of the match and the pivotal role of the fans, saying, “You know this match is very important for us. We are waiting for you because you are very important to us. See you later.” These dual messages from a local player and an international star reflect the team’s awareness of the value of fan support in decisive knockout matches.
Historical significance in the "most precious cup"
This match is no ordinary affair; the King's Cup holds a special place for Al-Ahli and its fans. Al-Ahli is nicknamed the "King of Cups" for being the most decorated club in the tournament's history, with 13 titles. This historical legacy places a great responsibility on the current generation of players to continue the success and try to add another title to the club's trophy cabinet, making every match in this tournament feel like a final in itself.
Expected impact of the confrontation
The match against Al-Qadisiyah is a true test of Al-Ahli's ambitions this season. A victory in this game would not only secure qualification for the semi-finals but also provide a tremendous morale boost for the team to continue competing on all fronts. Domestically, winning the King's Cup would be a major achievement, satisfying the fans' aspirations and confirming the team's strength. The broader impact, however, lies in the fact that winning the title guarantees direct qualification for continental competitions, such as the AFC Champions League, a strategic objective for any major club in the Kingdom. Rallying the fans' support, as the players have called for, could create the ideal atmosphere on the pitch and give the players the necessary psychological advantage to overcome the challenge of an ambitious Al-Qadisiyah side and advance towards achieving the coveted title.
