Familiarity paying dividends, says Qatar's Khoukhi
27th January 2019
Abu Dhabi: Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi says familiarity and stability within his side's playing and coaching ranks is a positive factor in their surge to a first ever AFC Asian Cup semi-final.
The West Asians earned a slice history on Friday, defeating two-time winners and 2015 runners-up Korea Republic thanks to Abdelaziz's Hatim's 78th-minute screamer at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
The achievement is the latest for a side packed with young talents to have blossomed under the tutelage of head coach Felix Sanchez, who also coached 11 players from the current squad at last year's AFC U-23 Championship
The Qatari starting line-up also featured no less than seven players from the Al Sadd club, including Khoukhi, who believes those examples of continuity are aiding the team's cause.
"For sure, it gives us stability for the team," said the 28-year-old.
"Felix has been with most of our players since seven years ago. This is an advantage for us, and also, we have prepared the team for a year, so everything went the way Felix wanted.
"We hope that we can achieve something in this competition."
Khoukhi turned in a superb display in the heart of the Qatari defence, helping to restrict a Korean attack which featured Son Heung-min among several other attacking weapons.
His performance was even more impressive when considering he is also adept as a midfielder, winger or forward, and has 15 international goals to his name, including one in this tournament during his side's 6-0 group stage win over DPR Korea.
The utility revealed his delight at being a part of history.
"I'd like to congratulate our players, my teammates, the technical staff, the administration and everyone who has supported us.
"I'd like also to thank the Oman fans who have been supporting us during the competition. We now will focus on the semi-finals."
That semi-final will come on Tuesday, when Qatar face host nation United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi's Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Source: the-afc.com