International defender Ahmed Sharahili, star of Al-Ittihad's defense, confirmed his team's complete readiness to face Al-Kholoud in the semi-final of the King's Cup, stressing that "Al-Ittihad" is not looking for any justifications or excuses, and that the only goal is to advance to the final and compete for the most prestigious title in Saudi competitions.
General context: The King's Cup... the most prestigious tournament
The King's Cup, first held in 1957, is the oldest and most prestigious tournament in Saudi Arabian football history. It holds immense symbolic and historical value for clubs and fans alike, as winning it is considered an exceptional achievement that adorns the records of champions. Al-Ittihad boasts a rich history in this competition, being one of the most decorated clubs with nine titles, the most recent being in 2018. This season, the Jeddah-based team aims to add a tenth title to its trophy cabinet and salvage its season with a major championship befitting its history and stature.
The challenge of Al-Ras Stadium and the ambition of eternity
Sharahili's statements come as Al-Ittihad prepares to face Al-Kholoud at Al-Hazm Club's stadium in Al-Rass, a match that could present an additional challenge. Despite acknowledging that the pitch might be somewhat difficult, Sharahili refused to consider it an excuse, stating in a press conference: "The pitch is somewhat difficult, but that's not an excuse... We have no excuse. Since the match is scheduled for Al-Rass, we will play in Al-Rass." These words reflect the high level of focus and determination within the "Tigers" camp to overcome all obstacles, while respecting the ambition of Al-Kholoud, considered the dark horse of the tournament after eliminating strong clubs on their way to the semi-finals, achieving a historic feat for the First Division club.
The importance of the match and its expected impact
The match holds immense importance for both teams. For Al-Ittihad, qualifying for the final and winning the cup represents a perfect opportunity to appease their fans after a shaky season in the Saudi Professional League, and to secure direct qualification for the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup. For Al-Kholoud, reaching this advanced stage is a historic achievement in itself, and defeating a team of Al-Ittihad's stature would be a stunning upset in the competition's history, etching their players' names in gold. Regionally, the Arab sports community is following this encounter with great interest, as it pits a giant of Saudi football against an ambitious team that represents an inspiring success story, highlighting the strength and competitiveness of Saudi football at all levels.
