Doha, Qatar: Saleh Al Shehri has returned to the shooting range and there are plenty of targets left for the veteran forward — and son a of a military man — to hit.
Back in the land where he played a pivotal role in one of the most stunning FIFA World Cup upsets in many years, the Saudi Arabia marksman has already found an early bullseye at Qatar 2025.
Three years ago, it was at Lusail Stadium where he scored a stunning leveller as the Green Falcons got their talons into eventual champions Argentina and didn’t let go.
On Tuesday, the Al Ittihad forward rose from the bench at Education City Stadium to grab the winner as Saudi Arabia downed Oman 2-1 to make a positive start at the FIFA Arab Cup. As Al Shehri told FIFA post-match, he’s more than happy to play in Qatar as often as possible.
“It feels amazing. I love playing here in Qatar,” he said. “Even though, in our second World Cup match here at this stadium we had some trouble when we lost against Poland, I guess now I love this stadium again!”
Given a string of stunning upsets, with Egypt battling to a first-up draw and both Qatar and Tunisia losing their opening encounters, to kick off the regional showpiece, Al Shehri knows just how important it was that his side got off to a winning start.
“It’s a very important win, especially given it’s the first game of the groups and three points gives you a good start to the competition,” he added.
“Honestly, personally, I know all about these competitions and every team that comes here is a very good team. So, if you don’t respect all the teams, you’re going to face some trouble. You see Oman qualified from the play-offs but they played a really big game here.”
He’s also keenly aware that this year more than any other, with a World Cup on the horizon, it’s vital that Saudi Arabia perform well.
“Thank God we scored twice and got the three points. That’s the most important thing for now but our target here is clear and that is that we have come to compete for the title.
“Firstly we have to get out of the group stage and then we will see but this is an important tournament for our nation.”
Having swept home a cross from the outstanding Salem Al Dawsari just five minutes after his second-half introduction, Al Shehri produced, as he always does, his trademark shooting celebration to mark the occasion. (FIFA)
