Al Ahli Youth's goalkeeper, Hamad Al-Maqbali, stated that his team possesses the character of champions who never give up. He mentioned that the 0-0 draw with Al-Hilal in the seventh round of the AFC Elite League group stage is a positive result given the difficult circumstances the team faced before the match, primarily the absence of Yuri Cesar and Federico Cartagia due to injuries. Al-Maqbali clarified that the team delivered one of its best performances this season and was close to securing three points against a rival considered one of the top contenders for the continental title. He explained that "The Knights" will travel to Jeddah for the final round to face Saudi Al Ahli with the aim of winning and securing a qualification spot. Hamad Al-Maqbali told "Al-Ittihad": "Despite the injuries and absences, Al Ahli Youth played a great match and we earned a valuable point against a strong opponent and former Asian champion. We could have taken the lead, we had several chances, especially in the first half, but luck wasn't on our side in the final touch." He added: "Al-Hilal is always one of the teams favored to win the tournament, but Al Ahli Youth's players proved they are up to the task. Everyone saw the team's character on the field. We didn't back down and we weren't affected by the pressure, and we handled the match correctly." Al Ahli Youth's goalkeeper pointed out that the team was close to winning but for a lack of decisiveness, noting: "It was a big match between two big teams, and small details decided the result. We have the character of champions, and anyone who attends Al Ahli Youth's matches shouldn't be surprised by this performance, because we are always on time, we respect all opponents, and we play only to win." Regarding the upcoming match against Saudi Al Ahli in Jeddah, which is the last in the group stage and decisive for qualification chances, Al-Maqbali said: "We have great confidence in ourselves before facing the current champions. Yes, the match is difficult, but that doesn't stop us from going to Jeddah to win and bring back a qualification card. There is no pressure on us, we have big motivations to prove our strength." He concluded his speech by confirming the group spirit within the team: "Al Ahli Youth has a character that doesn't know surrender, and every player knows his role on the field. We will fight until the last moment, and we believe we are capable of successfully completing the mission and qualifying for the next round."
