Al Shamal players take part in a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Shamal will look to revive their title challenge when they face Qatar SC in a postponed Week 17 clash of the Qatar Stars League at Al Bayt Stadium today, with the race for the championship, top-four places and survival intensifying.
Al Shamal, second on 37 points and trailing leaders Al Sadd by five, suffered a setback with a 0-2 defeat against Al Shahania in their previous outing. With only two matches remaining, coach David Prats stressed the urgency of returning to winning ways to keep pressure on the leaders ahead of a potential title-deciding final round meeting.
“We are expecting a tough match against a very good team with top-level players,” said Prats.
“We will play with one goal in mind, to win and secure the three points to maintain our chances in the competition.”
Prats indicated his side had worked on correcting mistakes from the previous defeat, adding that Al Shamal aim to finish what has been an exceptional season on a strong note.
Al Shamal player Mohammed Waad said the team expects a tough match but will aim for victory and three points to meet expectations and satisfy their fans.
Qatar SC, fifth with 32 points, are also firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish. A win would see them move level on points with Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa, further tightening the race for AFC competition spots.
Coach Marquez Lopez acknowledged the challenge but remained focused on the opportunity.
“We have an important and difficult match ahead of us. We must exert maximum effort to achieve the best possible results. We only have two matches, which requires complete focus,” he said.
Qatar SC player Naif Al Hadrami said they are ready to face Al Shamal with the aim of securing three points and finishing the league in the best possible position.
At Al Thumama Stadium, Al Arabi will take on bottom side Al Sailiya in another postponed fixture with significant implications at both ends of the table.
Al Arabi, sixth on 32 points, are level with Qatar SC and remain in contention for a top-four finish. Coach Cosmin Contra described the match as a crucial opportunity to strengthen their position in the standings.
“Winning this postponed match will give us a real advantage,” said Contra.
“These matches require double readiness due to the pressure at this stage.”
Forward Karl Toko Ekambi echoed the confidence within the squad, stating the team aims to build on its recent consistency and maintain momentum in the closing phase.
Al Sailiya, meanwhile, sit bottom with 19 points and are battling to avoid relegation. With Al Shahania and Umm Salal just ahead on 20 points, even a single point could prove decisive in the survival fight.
Coach Mirghani Al Zain expressed confidence in his players’ preparation and mindset.
“We are fully prepared. Facing Al Arabi requires the highest level of focus. The players understand the magnitude of the responsibility,” he said.
Player Abdulrahman Mohammed added that the team would approach the match with determination and high concentration in pursuit of a positive result.
