Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Gharafa and Al Ahli will lock horns at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Wednesday when the Week 13 of Ooredoo Stars League gets underway.
The two teams will go into the match looking to continue their good run and continue their advance in the standings. The contest gains double importance given the strong performances of the two teams in the previous rounds where Al Gharafa achieved a 3-1 win over Al Khor, while Al Ahli outperformed Al Wakrah 6-3, which now adds to the strength of their meeting.
The circumstances of both Al Gharafa and Al Ahli are quite similar due to their placings in the standings. Al Gharafa are in the fourth place with 24 points, while Al Ahli are in third place with 25 points, a rung behind Al Sadd on goal difference.
The slender one-point difference between The Cheetahs and The Brigadiers will ignite the battle on the pitch and make it the centre of fans’ attention.
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins speaking on eve of the match, said, “Our preparations were good and the team has reached better physical readiness than it was at the beginning of the season, especially Joselu, Yacine Brahimi, Rodrigo, Koeman and Ahmed Al Janahi, which contributes to the players’ regaining their level.
“I am very happy with the increased level of self-confidence among the players in view of the good results achieved in the league.
“It will certainly be an interesting match and we have to understand the periods that this match is in and deal well with the periods in which Al Ahli control the match, and we will also be in control of some periods and we will be more in control of its course. Both teams have great ambitions about this game, especially since Al Ahli are presenting a good season,” said Martins.
Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan, said, “Facing Al Gharafa will not be easy and will require us to do our bestto come out with the desired result. But, I have full confidence in the ability of our players to continue our good performances. All players know the value of the match and the importance of the team continuing on the path of victories this season.
“As a coach, I worked to make Al Ahli more prepared, especially since the match will not be easy and I am certain that our players will make every effort to achieve a positive result,” he added.
Al Ahli forward Oumar Sekou, said, “I have complete satisfaction with what the team is offering this season. We are approaching an important match and it is necessary for us to provide the best physical and technical performance in it to ensure the continuation of positive results in the competition.”
In the other important games of the week, defending champions Al Sadd will meet bottom-placed Al Khor on Thursday at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium while leaders Al Duhail will take on Al Rayyan at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium later the same evening.
QSL Week 13 Fixtures
Wednesday
4.30pm: Al Shahania vs Al Khor (at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium)
6.45pm: Al Gharafa vs Al Ahli (at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium)
Thursday
4.30pm: Al Sadd vs Qatar SC (at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium)
6.45pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail (at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium)
Friday
4.30pm: Al Shamal vs Umm Salal (at Al Khor Stadium)
6.45pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi (at 974 Stadium).
