QFA President: Egypt Friendly Mainly Humanitarian Cause

Doha, December 27 (QNA) - Qatar Football Association (QFA) President HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said Friday's friendly against Egypt is a good initiative with humanitarian and sport-based aspects, highlighting it as the sole preparatory game for the Qatari national side ahead of the 21st Gulf Cup in Manama next month. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani made the remarks on Thursday during a joint press briefing with Seif Zaher, board member of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), who heads the Egyptian delegation in Doha. The Qatari official expressed pleasure at holding joint sports activities between Qatar and Egypt, adding that he would welcome similar initiatives in the future. He noted that tomorrow's game is mainly a humanitarian initiative, with its income going to families of the Port Said stadium massacre and schoolchildren victims of the train accident in Assuit, wishing Egypt will overcome the recent political turmoil. Friday's encounter will be the main test for the Maroon before the Gulf Cup, which takes place in Bahrain from January 5 to 18, while the Pharaohs, on the other side, are readying for World Cup Qualifiers game against Zimbabwe in March. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani underlined the Egyptian side's strength despite the difficult political conditions. He added that the Qatari team will enter the Gulf Cup as title contenders and try to win it for the third time. The Maroon were pitted against Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, whom they face on the tournament's opening day. (QNA)