IKOLI VICTOR

DOHA DEFENDING champions Al Rayyan faces Al Jaish in the semi-finals while Asian champions Al Sadd has been drawn against reigning Qatar Stars League champion Lekhwiya in the 2012 Heir Apparent Cup.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) released the draw pairings for the Heir Apparent Cup, the country’s second biggest football tournament on Sunday.

Officials from Qatar Stars League Management (QSLM) and clubs’ representatives took part in the draw ceremony. Four teams - Lekhwiya, Al Jaish, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd - emerged as the top sides in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) 2011-2012 season that ended recently.

The first semi-final of the Heir Apparent Cup will be held on April 21 while the second pairing is set for April 22.

The final of the tournament is slated for April 26 at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar Sports Club), which is hosting all of the matches.

Club representatives Ahmad Abbasi, Yousef Bakheet, Abdul Rahman al Kuwari and Ghulam Mohammed were at the draw ceremony with QFA officials Abdul Rahman al Dossary (Competition Supervisor) and Hamad al Hajri (Chief Commercial Officer).

The teams will wear their first-choice colours as all games are ‘away’ fixtures for the four teams.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Abdul Rahaman al Dossary said, “I think the stage is set for some exciting football. The top four sides have qualified for the Heir Apparent Cup. I am sure some interesting football will be on display in the Heir Apparent Cup matches.” The Qatar national football team will have a busy schedule in preparation to the Asian zone of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers starting with an away fixture in Lebanon on June 3. QFA disclosed that QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani and the national team handler Paulo Autouri would reveal the plans for national team for the next 14 months at a press conference on May 4
Meanwhile, Qatar national team director has defended the busy football calendar released by QFA.

National Team Director Abdulrahman al Mahmoud said that the football calendar starting in April was finalised after discussions with QSL clubs.

Al Mahoud said QFA and QSL officials considered everything before releasing the dates of the national camp and list of friendly matches for Qatar’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The QFA official said a busy calendar would ensure that players get every opportunity to settle down and train well for what is an important year for Qatari national team.

He said playing more matches and against quality opposition would help Qatar prepare well for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Last week, Qatar football team held a three-day training camp, the first phase of a long summer training camp that is part of the preparation for the three 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches to be played in June this year.

Qatar is scheduled to play at least eight 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian zone qualifying matches until June next year. The national squad - managed by Brazilian Paulo Autouri - ended the first phase of training on April 11.

The players were released to appear for their respective QSL clubs for what was the last week of action in the 2011- 2012 season last Friday.