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The Qatar Stars League resumes today after the Gulf Cup break with title-hopers El Jaish among the six teams in action, while favourites Al Sadd and Lekhwiya will see action tomorrow.
Al Sadd are so far unbeaten with 26 points from 10 matches and have looked dominant under coach Hussein Amotta, while Lekhwiya are in second spot on 23 and will be taking on ninth-placed Al Sailiya.
But it’s Al Sadd’s match with fourth-placed Al Gharafa that will hold the attention of most QSL followers. Al Gharafa, the former champions, are keen to make an impact this season after a few lacklustre years in the QSL
Gharafa, however, will miss the services of Bilal Mohamed, but the Wolves, too, will be without their playmaker and all-time highest goal-scorer Khalfan Ibrahim who missed the Gulf Cup with a knee injury.
Al Gharafa, who have just had a transfer ban lifted, will have to keep Al Sadd’s one touch passing game to a minimum and try to keep possession for long periods if they hope to make the most from the match.
Al Gharafa coach Marcos Paqueta has managed to rejuvenate the side who are shaping up nicely as the tournament enters a crucial phase.
But there is no doubt that against Al Sadd they face their sternest test yet. With Khalfan out, Al Sadd will be relying on Rodrigo Tabata and Hassan al-Haydos. Lisandro Lopez and Nene will form the backbone of the Al Gharafa attack.
Al Gharafa will be wary of the fact that Al Sadd have scored the maximum number of goals so far – 25. Second-placed Lekhwiya have 19, while Al Gharafa are way behind with just 14 goals.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli coach Milan Macala was looking forward to his team’s “derby’ match against Al Arabi.
“This is a derby as everybody knows. This season has had many stoppages and so we are forced to play 5 games in 20 days. We are playing as the away team and Al Arabi has bought some good players and they have done well this season,” Macala said.
“During this pause in the QSL we have sustained a few injuries. Mesaad (al-Hamad) has a broken leg and it will be a long time before he is back, Muloto Kabango is also out and won’t be involved in the round 11 clash.
“We know this is a crucial game against a team who has a similar level of quality and attacking style. We must win this if we want to continue to have a good season.”
Macala also congratulated the national team on winning the Gulf Cup.
“In my opinion the better team won, they showed good organization and a tough resolve. Also our players were not only in the team but gave a significant contribution, Meshaal Abdulla did very well and we are all very proud of him. This is a tough time for Saudi football, first they lost the champions league final to a tough Australian team and last night they lost another big game on home soil”.
Al Arabi coach Dan Petrescu also praised the national team: “Wining the Gulf Cup is a great achievement for Qatar and we can be proud of the role that Al Arabi played in this success with Boualem (Khoukhi) scoring the winning goal,” said the Romanian.
“When I first came to Qatar I didn’t know much about the level of football and I have been pleasantly surprised. It is no accident that Qatar did so well in the Gulf Cup. Let’s hope we use this opportunity to continue to invest and make Qatar a top world team.”
Petrescu added that the game against Al Ahli would be tough.
“They have one of the most experienced coaches in the league. Also Al Ahli has one of the best attacking duos in the league with Alain Dioko and the rejuvenated Meshaal Abdulla.”
