Alkass English
The Qatar Stars League (QSL) returns tomorrow with Round 2 fixtures, as clubs aim to consolidate their starts to the new season.
Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan, both beginning their campaigns with comeback wins, will be looking to maintain momentum.
Pedro Martins’ Al Gharafa sit top of the table after their thrilling 4-2 victory over Umm Salal, where Ferjani Sassi, Yacine Brahimi and Joselu all impressed. They face Al Arabi on Friday at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with the Dream Team seeking their first win of the season after a 2-2 draw against Al Wakrah in their opener under coach Pablo Amo.
On the same night, Al Rayyan take on a confident Al Shamal side at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Artur Jorge’s men edged past Al Sailiya in their opener, but will need to raise their level against David Prats’ Al Shamal, who began strongly with a 2-0 win over Al Ahli.
The second round begins tomorrow at Al Bayt Stadium, where Qatar SC face Al Sailiya. Fresh from their shock 3-2 win over defending champions Al Sadd, Marquez Lopez’s side will be eager to build on that result. “Our full focus is now on Al Sailiya,” Lopez said ahead of the match.
Later tomorrow, Al Sadd and Al Ahli, both beaten in their first games, will clash at Al Thumama Stadium. Felix Sanchez will hope for inspiration from Roberto Firmino, Akram Afif and Rafa Mujica, while Igor Biscan’s Al Ahli will count on Julian Draxler, Driss Fettouhi and Sekou Yansane.
Saturday’s fixtures see Umm Salal meeting Al Shahania at Al Bayt Stadium, before Al Duhail take on Al Wakrah at Khalifa International Stadium. Hernán Crespo’s men are chasing their first win after being held to a draw by Al Shahania in Round 1.
QSL Round 2 Fixtures
Tomorrow
* Qatar SC vs Al Sailiya – Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm)
* Al Ahli vs Al Sadd – Al Thumama Stadium (8:30pm)
Friday
* Al Gharafa vs Al Arabi – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6:30pm)
* Al Shamal vs Al Rayyan – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)
Saturday
* Umm Salal vs Al Shahania – Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm)
* Al Duhail vs Al Wakrah – Khalifa International Stadium (8:30pm)