Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Duhail and Al Wakrah will face off in the first semi-final of 2024-2025 season QSL Cup at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Friday at 5.15pm.
Later the same evening, Al Arabi will play Umm Salal in the second semi-final at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium at 8.15pm.
Al Duhail advanced to this stage after beating Al Khor 2-1 in the quarter-finals. They had qualified for the Round of 8 by topping Group A with 10 points.
Al Wakrah topped Group B, also with 10 points, having won three matches and drawn one, before defeating Al Ahli 3-1 in the quarterfinals.
Al Duhail aim to maintain their winning streak throughout the tournament and assert their dominance, while Al Wakrah are focused on securing victory to earn a place in the title clash.
Christophe Galtier, French coach of Al Duhail, acknowledges that Al Wakrah will pose a formidable challenge. He intends to motivate his key players to secure a win.
Meanwhile, Al Wakrah, under Ali Rahma Al Marri, are fully prepared to continue their good journey with a strong emphasis on clinching the title.
Al Arabi qualified for the last four beating Al Shamal 3-0 in the quarter-final, having finished second in Group A with 10 points on goal difference with Al Duhail.
Umm Salal beat Al Rayyan 2-0 in the quarter-final before becoming second in Group B with six points.
Umm Salal will enter the match with high morale after their recent victory over Al Arabi in the team’s first match under Spanish coach Pablo Machin, who replaced Patrice Carteron.
On the other hand, Al Arabi will use this match to also regain their confidence and return to the winning path.
It may be noted that Umm Salal had beaten Al Arabi 3-1 in penalty shoot-out in the final of last edition of the tournament.
