03 Oct 2011
ASPIRE 97 Players Showed Good Talent Against Stronger Spanish Side Thursday , September 29th ,2011, Doha, Qatar: ASPIRE Academy’s 1997 born team has kicked off their 2011-12 friendly games against international visiting teams by facing their peers from the Spanish La Liga team of Malaga CF with two matches this week.
In the first match, ASPIRE 97 team coached by British David Chatwin played their first friendly game for this season when they faced Malaga CF Under 15. The two teams showed some good commitment and nice talent and most of the actions were limited in the midfield, but a physically stronger Spanish side scored a late goal to finish the winner 2-1. In the second game, the ASPIRE 97 team was motivated to win the match, and the boys showed some good commitment and were eager to score but missed many good opportunities in front of goal.
They fought bravely but conceded a goal in the final minute to the Spaniards. Commenting on both games, ASPIRE head football coach Michael Browne said:” Malaga were the stronger team in both games and deserved their victories. The Aspire players showed good commitment and worked very hard in both games which hopefully will give them encouragement for future games.” Malaga sport director Antonio Fernandez Marchan said he was very happy and amazed to be in Qatar and ASPIRE Academy, which he considered to be unique.
He praised the excellent facilities of the academy as well as the hospitality shown and excellent condition they were provided with during their stay in the academy. He sincerely thanked ASPIRE management for the invitation and hosting. The Malaga CF under 15 team was accompanied by the club vice president and CEO Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Ghubn. The Andalucía original team is owned by a Qatari Sheikh in the name of HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al –Thani.