Tribune News Network
Doha
Al Bayt Stadium will host the Play-Off match between Umm Salal (11th in the 2024-2025 Ooredoo Stars League) and Al Markhiya (Second Division runners-up) on Monday at 7pm.
The match will determine which team will qualify for the 2025-2026 First Division league. Al Sailiya, meanwhile, had returned to the top flight as Second Division champions this season.
Umm Salal finished 11th in the Ooredoo Stars League with 21 points.
Al Markhiya coach Sultan Al Musaifiri while speaking ahead of the match, said, “This match represents the culmination of a full season of hard work, planning and sacrifice. We faced tough competition in the Second Division league and were able to deservedly secure second place, thanks to the determination and great discipline shown by the players and the continuous support of the club management and administrative staff.
“We are aware of the magnitude of the challenge facing a team the size of Umm Salal, but we have the confidence, ambition and players capable of making a difference.
“I have complete confidence in the Al Markhiya players, not only for their skills, but also for their commitment and high fighting spirit. This group deserves the opportunity to play in the Qatar Stars League and I am confident that they will rise to the occasion and give their all in this crucial encounter,” said Sultan Al Musaifiri.
Umm Salal coach Patrice Beaumelle said, “This match is the most important and difficult for us. It is crucial in every sense of the word. The pressure on the players makes the match more difficult and I hope it does not negatively affect them during the match. We are fully prepared and our focus is entirely on this decisive match.
“The important thing is that we focus on ourselves and play with the same high spirit and enthusiasm that we showed in the league matches. I have great confidence in the players and their ability to give their best to achieve victory and ensure our survival in the First Division,” said Beaumelle.
