Jaish face Ahli, look to continue their rich vein of form

Leaders El Jaish head into their away tie at Al Ahli today on the back of a fantastic run of form in the Qatar Stars League. Jaish are currently four points clear at the top of the standings and coach Sabri Lamouchi said that he wants his side to continue their rich vein of form.
“To be first now is good, but we must be first at the end. After eight games we are on top, but now the real work starts to maintain that. We need to focus in each game and apply what we are working on in the training pitch,” the Frenchman said yesterday.
Lamouchi stressed December will be a big month for his club, starting with today’s match against Al Ahli. “It’s always easy when you are top of the league. Now you have to work hard, December will be a hard month for us. We are ready for this big challenge. It is a difficult game against Al Ahli, who are strong in attack and in maximum concentration,” Lamouchi added.
He praised striker Romarinho, who is currently the joint top goal scorer in the QSL. “We are working together for two years now. He has changed the team this year, and he has lad the line in a number of positions. He is always happy and working for the team. He has scored many goals for Jaish and I am happy how he helps the club.”
Seventh-placed Ahli’s coach Yusef Adam praised the current leaders and said it will be a difficult game for his side. “This is a serious test against the league leaders. We are motivated, and I trust my team to put in a performance against Jaish team who have been in good form for over a year now,” Adam said.
In another match today, Al Sadd wil take on Al Khor, with their confidence high having won the last week’s Doha derby against bitter rivals Al Arabi. The Wolves will be targeting a win to keep the pressure on league leaders Jaish.
Head coach Jesaldo Ferriera  stressed that his squad must be in peak condition heading to a packed December schedule. “We are playing seven games in less than one month, that’s why I need a full squad going into this run. It’s a real challenge for our team but if we want to battle for the titles we need to go through this period,” the Portuguese tactician said.
Ferriera also had some words for his opponent  heading into afternoon game. “Al Khor are a well organised team. They are not always scoring goals but they are tight in defence. I am expecting a tough challenge. We must focus and aim to get all three points in this game,” Ferriera said.
As for Al Khor, they head into the game against Al Sadd on the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to an in-form Al Gharafa. Coach Jean Fernandez expected a tough game against Sadd.
“We are facing one of the best teams in the league, who are battling for the QSL title. We are expecting a tough game, but we are ready and prepared to give our all in the game,” Fernandez said.
In the last match of the day, Al Kharaitiyat , who are currently marooned in the relegation zone meet Al Shahania, who have been impressive since the start of the season.
Kharaitiyat coach Ahmad al-Ajlani said: “Shahania are a tough opponent and this is a crucial game for us. I hope that my players will be ready and give their all going into the game.”
Al Kharaitiyat’s squad has been under criticism in recent weeks but al-Ajlani  was eager to focus on the improvements of his side in his brief time in charge.
Shahania head into the match after behind held to a 2-2 draw by Al Wakrah last week. The Oryxes are currently ninth in the table with nine points. Coach Jose Fernando said it will be a tight affair against. Kharaitiyat. “This is an important game, I know Kharaitiyat need points and have changed their head coach. They will be targeting a big result against my side,”  Fernando said.

QSL offers condolences to Chapecoense
Meanwhile, Qatar Stars League offered it’s condolences to Brazilian side Chapecoense, who tragically lost members of their playing and coaching staff in an plane disaster that took the lives of 77 people on board. Two members of the Chapecoense team had close links with Qatar, in the form of head coach Caio Junior who enjoyed a stint in charge of Al Gharafa and striker Bruno Rangel who played for Al Arabi.
Saad al-Shammari deputy head of football at Gharafa played under Caio Junior when the Brazilian took charge of the Cheetahs, leading them to the QSL title during the 2009-2010 season in what was the first of three stints in the Gulf.
“It’s a sad moment for the players at Al Gharafa club, Caio Junior was a fantastic coach for the club and more importantly a good man. He was always such a positive person in the club, and without his guidance we would have not won the league title that season. Everyone at Al Gharafa club offers their thoughts and prayers to everyone connected with Chapecoense at this time,”Al Gharafa said in a statement.
Al Arabi took to their official website on Tuesday evening to offer condolences on the passing of former player Bruno Rangel, who represented The Dream Team during the 2013/2014 season.