Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Rayyan coach Poya Asbaghi has said that his side Al Rayyan is ready and rearing to go in the opening match of the new 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League Week 1 match against Umm Salal at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday. The kick-off is at 6.30pm.
“We are coming from a good preparation, it will be a special event to meet the fans in our first match,” said Asbaghi.
“The Umm Salal team we saw last season made it difficult for any competitor. They are a good team in defence and dangerous in counter-attacks, so it will be a challenging start for us. Wefeel that we are ready for this challenge.
“Our team ranks are almost complete and we have a good list of players before facing Umm Salal,” added Asbaghi.
Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron said Umm Salal are looking forward to a strong contest.
“Al Rayyan should not be underestimated as they have players with good capabilities and a very good coach.We are looking forward to presenting a strong contest and aiming for a positive result.
“Let us hope that this season we have the same quality. Of course, we have a lot of respect for the competitor and we know that Al Rayyan are bigger than us, but in football nothing is guaranteed, we will do our best to get the best possible result,” stressed Carteron.
Both sides had presented a distinguished level the last season, during which Al Rayyan finished as second with 47 points while Umm Salal were seventh with 28 points.
Al Rayyan have included Spaniard David Garcia and Belgian Julien De Sart, while Umm Salal have signed up Croatian Antonio Mansi and others.
Al Khor face Al Gharafa
at Al Bayt Stadium
In the day’s second match, Al Khor and Al Gharafa will meet at the Al Bayt Stadium at 8.30pm.
The match will be strong and exciting and is not subject to speculation or pre-calculations in view of each team’s desire to win the points.
Al Khor made it to the Ooredoo Stars League after winning the Second Division title last season under coach Abdullah Mubarak, who will be looking to achieve the best this season.
During the current summer transfer window, Al Khor signed Ivorian striker Yohan Boli from Al Gharafa on a one-season loan, Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo from Al Duhail for a season, Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein and player Ethini Marcel from Al Bidda SC.
Al Gharafa, third in the league last season, made the most notable deal of the summer with the signing of Spanish striker Joselu from Real Madrid and Romanian international Florinel Coman, while Algerian winger Farid Boulaya and Brazilian defender Lyanco left the team.
Week 1 Fixtures:
FridaycTypeface:> 6:30pm: Al Rayyan vs Umm Salalat Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; 8:30pm: Al Khor vs Al Gharafa at Al Bayt Stadium.
Saturday: 6:30pm: Qatar SC vs Al Duhail at Khalifa International Stadium; 8:30pm: Al Shamal vs Al Sadd at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Sunday: 6:30pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Ahli at Al Janoub Stadium; 8:30pm: Al Shahania vs Al Arabi
at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.Ooredoo Stars League 2024-25 begins today
