Al Duhail's players during a training session ahead of the 10th round of the QSL Cup.
Doha, Qatar: The 10th round of the QSL Cup begins today, with teams fighting for the remaining knockout spots while teams already through look to improve their rankings before the first stage ends.
The QSL Cup’s new format features 20 Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Second Division teams competing in a single-stage league. Each side plays 10 matches over 10 weeks. The top two teams advance directly to the quarter-finals, while those ranked 3rd to 14th battle through knockout rounds for the remaining places in the last-8 stage.
Ten matches are scheduled across three days, with four fixtures set for today.
Currently placed 16th with nine points – one behind Al Khor and Qatar SC and three points adrift of Al Shamal and Al Bidda – Al Duhail face Umm Salal at Grand Hamad Stadium, hoping for a win to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Umm Salal have performed well in the competition and are currently second with 17 points, eight behind table-toppers Al Rayyan.
In a simultaneous kick-off at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium today, Qatar SC will take on Al Gharafa as they look to progress smoothly into the knockout stage. Qatar SC are 13th on the table while Al Gharafa sit at the bottom in 20th place.
Later in the evening, Al Sailiya and Al Ahli will square off at Al Shamal Stadium. Confident after beating Qatar SC 2-1 in the top-flight QSL on Saturday, Al Sailiya will look to increase their points tally against the Brigadiers. They are eighth in the standings with 15 points – behind Al Waab on goal difference. Al Ahli, who have nine points in 15th place, will also aim for a victory to keep their hopes alive.
Today’s other match will pit Al Arabi against Al Sadd at Al Khor Stadium. Al Arabi will look to end the first stage on a high note as they sit comfortably in sixth place with 16 points, while Al Sadd will hope to avoid finishing bottom as they are tied with Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah on five points.
