Al Wakrah Football Club made a much-anticipated return to Asian football after a 22-year hiatus, but their comeback was overshadowed by a disheartening 3-0 defeat at the hands of Iran’s Tractor. Despite the disappointing result, a couple of hundred loyal supporters kept their spirits high, cheering their team on until the final whistle at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Al Wakrahs Fans Stand Strong in AFC Return
As the final whistle blew, Al Wakrah’s players took a moment to acknowledge their fans, a gesture that did not go unnoticed. Even though some supporters appeared deflated by the outcome, others continued to chant in support of their beloved team. These fans had come out in full force to witness their club compete in the AFC Champions League Two, marking a significant milestone for many of them who were seeing Al Wakrah in an international competition for the first time on home soil.
The atmosphere took an unexpected turn when, after the applause, a chant filled the stadium. A small but dedicated group of around 100 supporters came to life again, waving their scarves with renewed enthusiasm and chanting, “Lai, lai, lai, lai, Oh Wakrahwi!” The synchronized voices of the fans echoed through the stadium, reminding everyone of the unwavering passion that the club has ignited in its loyal followers.
A Difficult Start Against Iran’s Tractor
The match was not easy for Al Wakrah. With thousands of spectators initially present, many left the stadium before halftime. By the 38th minute, the home team found itself trailing 3-0, a scoreline that would remain unchanged until the end of the game. However, a small group of supporters, known as the Blue Waves, refused to give up. Armed with drums and a megaphone, they kept the energy alive despite the overwhelming odds.
The Blue Waves have always been a loyal presence at Al Wakrah matches. While their numbers may not match those of more prominent fan groups from Europe or Latin America, their passion for their team is undeniable. The group is composed of fans of all ages, united by their love for the Al Wakrah Football Club.
“It’s more about supporting the crest than the results,” said Abdulrahman, a member of the Blue Waves, in an interview with Doha News. “Even the prime Brazilian side did not win every game. We’re not the most successful of sides, but we carry the passion.” His words encapsulated the spirit of the night and highlighted the deeper connection that the fans share with the team, regardless of the scoreline.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Al Wakrah
Historically, Al Wakrah has not been considered one of Qatar’s elite clubs, both in terms of on-field success and fan attendance. Their last major victory came in 2001, and as recently as 2019, they were relegated to Qatar’s second division. However, the arrival of Bartolome ‘Tintin’ Marquez Lopez, who would later become the coach of Qatar’s national team, changed the club’s fortunes. Under Lopez’s leadership, Al Wakrah not only returned to the top division but also began to compete consistently at a high level.
In their first season back, the club finished seventh, followed by an eighth-place finish in the COVID-affected 2020/21 season. In subsequent years, Al Wakrah competed against traditional Qatari powerhouses such as Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, and Al Duhail, regularly finishing in the top four. Even though Marquez Lopez departed in December last year to focus on Qatar’s national team, the club managed to secure a fourth-place finish, a testament to the foundations he had laid.
“Fan support was critical in bringing the team from the second division to where it is today,” said Mubarak, a leader of the Blue Waves, as he packed up flags after the match. According to him, the Blue Waves’ passion is what keeps the team motivated, especially during difficult times. The group first came together when the club was relegated and has been a constant presence ever since, attending almost every match.
A City Built on History and Community
The city of Al Wakrah, located in the southern part of Qatar, has a rich history as a fishing and pearling hub. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most populous cities in the country, but the connection between the club and its community remains strong. The club’s colors, light blue and white, are a nod to the city’s maritime heritage, symbolizing the waves that once defined the area.
Though Al Wakrah has now become a center for expatriates working in the industrial city of Mesaieed, its original Qatari population still holds a deep connection to the club. “Almost all of us were born in Al Wakrah and are Al Wakrah fans,” said Mubarak, reflecting on the shared sense of pride that the community feels for its football team. “We share the same feeling towards our city.”
A Historic Victory in the Qatar Cup
This passion reached its pinnacle in May of this year when Al Wakrah triumphed in the Qatar Cup, a knockout tournament that features the league’s top four teams. The club secured a dramatic victory over Al Sadd in the semifinals, with fans in the stands shedding tears of joy. The moment went viral, showing the world the emotional connection between the club and its supporters.
In the final, Al Wakrah edged out Al Rayyan with a narrow 1-0 victory, lifting their first major trophy since their second-division win in the 2018/19 season. “I was very happy; it was one of the happiest moments I’ve ever experienced,” said Mubarak, describing the euphoria that followed the final whistle.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the success of last season, this year has been challenging for Al Wakrah. Under the leadership of new coach Miguel Angel Ramirez, the team has struggled to find consistent form and currently sits seventh in the league table. However, the Blue Waves remain undeterred. “We are still at the beginning of the season,” Mubarak said, hinting at a tifo display for the next home game. “We still have five matches left in the AFC Champions League Two, and we’ll turn up to support the team regardless.”
In the world of football, results are not always guaranteed, but for clubs like Al Wakrah, it’s the passion and loyalty of their fans that truly define their legacy. As the Blue Waves continue to rally behind their team, one thing is certain: win or lose, Al Wakrah will never walk alone.