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AL-AHSA: The Saudi national football team’s match against Pakistan on Thursday “is our first official match and of course, beginnings are always challenging,” said head coach Roberto Mancini.
The match, at Al-Fateh’s Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, kicks off the first round of the second stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup.
It is the first competitive game since Mancini took control of the team in late August, and the squad has been preparing this week in Al-Ahsa.
“I would like to thank the people of Al-Ahsa for the warm welcome we have received in the past few days,” said Mancini.
Regarding the readiness of the players for their first competitive game since the Gulf Cup in January, he added: “We are aiming to perform well and secure the points from the match.”
There are a number of new faces in his squad and Mancini said: “I believe it is the right time to call up new players, especially after observing several players over the past three months. I am confident that we have talented young players who deserve the opportunity.”
The Saudis will also take on Jordan in the qualifiers on Tuesday, and Mancini said: “Our goal is to give our best effort in all the matches but right now we need to focus on the match against Pakistan, where we aim to perform well and win all three points.”
Midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi said: “The match will not be easy, especially as it comes at the beginning of the qualifiers. We aim to show our best performance in it.”
When asked about how he has found working with assistant coach Yaya Toure, Al-Ghamdi said: “(He) is one of the best midfielders in football and I will surely benefit a lot from him.”