Tribune News Network
Doha
Two exciting Qatar Stars League clashes are set for Wednesday as in-form Al Gharafa take on a rejuvenated Al Rayyan at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al Ahli seek redemption against struggling Al Khor at Al Khor Stadium.
Pedro Martins’ Gharafa are riding a wave of confidence, having secured their sixth consecutive victory with a 2-0 win over Al Ahli. The winning streak has propelled the Cheetahs to second place with 27 points, just two behind leaders Al Duhail. Martins remains cautious ahead of the clash with Rayyan, who have improved significantly since the winter break.
“Our preparations have been good, and our goal is to continue achieving victories,” Martins said at the pre-match conference on Tuesday.
“Although Al Rayyan did not start the league well, they have strong capabilities and a good coach. It will be an interesting match.”
Al Rayyan, under Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, have climbed to sixth place with 17 points following a commanding 6-2 victory over Umm Salal and a goalless draw against Al Duhail. Jorge is optimistic about his team’s prospects. “Our performance was good against Al Duhail, but results are crucial. We will go all out for a win to collect three points and improve our position,” Jorge said.
The Al Rayyan coach recognizes the formidable challenge posed by a resilient opponent and is meticulously analyzing Al Gharafa’s strengths and weaknesses to devise a strategic plan aimed at securing victory and the crucial three points.
This is particularly important in view of the absences of Achraf Bencharki due to injury and Abdulaziz Hatem due to suspension following a red card. Al Rayyan will rely on a talented roster, including players such as Mahmoud Trezeguet, Roger Guedes, Julien de Sart, Andre Amaro and David Garcia.
On the other hand, Al Gharafa aim to continue their winning streak and solidify their second-place position with aspirations to reach 30 points in pursuit of Al Duhail while remaining vigilant for any potential missteps from them. Martins will count on key players like Yacine Brahimi, Fabricio Díaz, Ferjani Sassi, Seydou Sano, Joselu and Florinel Koeman.
At Al Khor Stadium, Al Ahli are determined to bounce back after their 2-0 defeat to Al Gharafa, which saw them slip to fourth place with 25 points.
Coach Igor Biscan has called for an improved performance. “We were not up to the mark against Al Gharafa, and we must present ourselves in a better manner against Al Khor,” Biscan said. “We must get back to winning ways.”
This match serves as a chance for both teams to recover from their recent defeats, with Al Ahli losing 0-2 to Al Gharafa and Al Khor falling 1-2 to Al Shahania.
Al Khor’s Tunisian coach Mehdi Nafti understands that another loss would severely hinder the team’s efforts as they currently sit at the bottom of the table with only seven points following their eighth defeat this season (against Al Shahania).
Al Khor will be without the services of Abdalaziz Hazaa and Ruben Semedo, who are suspended after being sent off in the match against Al Shahania. Both teams boast a talented roster, with Oumar Sekou and Julian Draxler being key offensive players for Al Ahli, while Al Khor rely mainly on the skills of Sofiane Hanni and Aymen Hussein.
OSL Round 14 Fixtures
Wednesday: 4:30pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Gharafa at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; 6:45pm: Al Khor vs Al Ahli at Al Khor Stadium
Thursday: 4:30pm: Qatar SC vs Al Shamal at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium; 6:45pm: Al Arabi vs Al Sadd at Al Thumama Stadium
Friday: 4:30pm: Umm Salal vs Al Duhail at Grand Hamad Stadium; 6:45pm: Al Wakrah vs Al Shahania at Stadium 974.
