Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Rayyan and Al Duhail will meet in the third round (Group A) of the QSL Cup 2024-25 at the Grand Hamad Stadium on Friday at 7.45pm.
The match holds significant importance for both teams as it will determine the outright leaders of the group, with each team currently tied at six points from two victories. However, Al Rayyan hold an advantage due to a superior goal difference.
In their first match, Al Rayyan secured a 1-0 win against Al Shahania, followed by a decisive 3-0 victory over Al Arabi in the second round.
Al Duhail, on the other hand, won 2-1 against Qatar SC in their first match and defeated Al Ahli 2-0 in the second round.
Group A also features Al Arabi, Qatar SC, Al Shahania and Al Ahli.
The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals and all teams in the group appear to have a viable chance of advancing.
Al Duhail experienced their first league defeat of the season in the sixth week against Al Shahania, prompting their French coach Christophe Galtier to focus on QSL Cup matches as a means of preparing the team for their return to league play, aiming to maintain their lead and avoid further setbacks.
Coach Younes Ali is optimistic about the team’s prospects of securing a victory over Al Duhail and continuing their progress in this tournament.
In the day’s opening match,
Al Arabi will face Al Shahania in Group A at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium at 5.45pm.
Al Arabi hold the third position with three points. Al Shahania are fifth with one point.
The match promises to be exciting and intense, as each team is motivated to qualify for the next round.
Coaches, Anthony Hudson of Al Arabi and Alvaro Mejia of Al Shahania, will focus on optimizing their line-ups and will emphasize the importance of giving their utmost effort in order to secure the three points.
In Group A’s third match on Thursday, Qatar SC will play Al Ahli at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 7.45pm on Friday.
Qatar SC currently hold the fourth position in the group with one point following a defeat to Al Duhail and an exhilarating draw against Al Shahania.
Conversely, Al Ahli are positioned sixth in the group without any point, having suffered losses to both Al Arabi and Al Duhail.
In Group B matches, Umm Salal will take on Al Gharafa at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Saturday at 5.45pm while Al Shamal will play Al Khor at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium at 7.45pm.
