Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge gives instructions to his players during the match against Al Sailiya.
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan will aim to maintain their strong starts as teams gear up for the second round of the Qatar Stars League (QSL), which kicks off tomorrow.
Both title contenders began their campaigns with comeback victories. Al Gharafa overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Umm Salal 4-2 in their opening match.
Led by coach Pedro Martins, table-toppers Al Gharafa will be eyeing a second straight win when they face Al Arabi at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday with their stars Ferjani Sassi, Yacine Brahimi and Joselu showing impressive form in the opener.
Al Gharafa players celebrate a goal against Umm Salal during their opening QSL match.
Al Arabi, under Spanish coach Pablo Amo, were held to a 2-2 draw by Al Wakrah in their first game and will look to bounce back with a win to secure their first three points of the season.
Al Rayyan will also be in action on Friday, facing a tougher challenge against Al Shamal, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over last season’s fourth-placed Al Ahli.
Al Rayyan came from behind to beat Al Sailiya and coach Artur Jorge will be demanding a stronger performance from his side, with David Prats’ Al Shamal having shown strength in their win over Al Ahli.
The second round will kick off tomorrow with Qatar SC taking on Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium.
Marquez Lopez’s side will be full of confidence after shocking defending champions Al Sadd 3-2 in their opener, while Al Sailiya, coached by Mirghani Al Zain, will look to bounce back after their defeat to Al Rayyan.
“Our goal is clear - to take each match as it comes. Right now, our full focus is on the next game against Al Sailiya, where we aim to get the result we want,” Marquez said at the pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Of course, we’re pleased with the win over defending champions Al Sadd, and I congratulate the players for their performance. They deserve real credit for their commitment and for following the plan. But now, all attention turns to the upcoming match against Al Sailiya.”
In the second match of the opening day, Al Sadd and Al Ahli - both beaten in the first round - will clash at Al Thumama Stadium, each looking for their first win of the new QSL season.
A thrilling contest is expected, with Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez hoping for standout performances from Roberto Firmino, Akram Afif and Rafa Mujica.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli, under Igor Biscan, will rely on the talents of German international Julian Draxler, Driss Fettouhi and Sekou Yansane.
Saturday’s action at Khalifa International Stadium will see Al Duhail seeking their first victory when they take on Al Wakrah, following a 1-1 draw against Al Shahania.
The latter will meet Umm Salal earlier in the day at Al Bayt Stadium.
QSL ROUND 2 FIXTURES
Tomorrow
Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya at Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Ahli vs Al Sadd at Al Thumama Stadium (8:30pm)
On Friday
Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)
On Saturday
Umm Salal vs Al Shahania at Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah at Khalifa International Stadium (8:30pm)
