The character of victory appears in the most difficult moments

Al-Nasr player, Colombian Kevin Ogodelo, expressed his great happiness with his team’s qualification to the semi-finals of the Professional Football League Cup (Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Cup), after the exciting victory over Shabab Al-Ahly on penalties, stressing that “Al-Nasr’s character appears in the most difficult moments.”

Shabab Al-Ahly had won the first leg 2-1, before Al-Nasr succeeded in winning the second leg 3-2, and the qualification was decided via penalty kicks, in which Al-Ameed won 3-2 thanks to the focus and emotional stability of its players.

Ogodelo told Emirates Al-Youm: “It was a strong match against a team we know well, and it was the third match between us and Shabab Al-Ahly this season. We faced difficult moments and were not always at the level we wanted, but we were keen to exploit the spaces and create danger, and we succeeded in creating a large number of opportunities that were sufficient to resolve the match before reaching penalty kicks.”

He added: “We conceded two goals from mistakes that must be learned from, but Al-Nasr’s character appeared at the right time and in the most difficult moments. We played with high concentration and great fighting spirit until the end, and when the match reached penalty kicks, we were calmer and more determined, and we were able to cross into the semi-finals. This qualification is very important and reflects our great desire to compete for the title.”

The Colombian player confirmed that the team will begin preparations for the next stage, noting that “the next semi-final match requires greater focus, and we will work to correct the mistakes and improve the small details that appeared today, because the qualifying rounds require doubled effort and a higher spirit.”

Ogodelo commented on the approaching completion of the team, especially the return of Mehdi Qaidi from injury: “Qaidi’s return is very important. He is a player with high quality in scoring and making a difference. Everyone has seen his influence. His presence gives us additional attacking solutions. I am happy that most of the players are ready and that the team has a strong roster capable of providing better performance in the upcoming rounds.”

He concluded: “Qualification was deserved, but what is most important now is to maintain seriousness and continue developing step by step until we reach the final and compete strongly for the title.”

Kevin Ogodelo:

• We played with high concentration and great fighting spirit until the end.

• We will work to correct errors and improve small details.