Although the ‘Qatar Clasico’ match between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan on Friday will steal the QNB Stars League spotlight this week, the clash between Al Duhail and Al Gharafa also promises exciting fare.
To be played on Saturday, Al Gharafa will look to cause a flutter or two by giving unbeaten Al Duhail a run for their money.
Al Duhail are on a high following their big-margin victory over fourth-placed Umm Salal, while Al Gharafa, sixth in the table with five points, will look to compensate for their surprise loss to Al Kharaitiyat in the previous round.
Things will not be easy for The Cheetahs. They have to fire on all cylinders if they are to stop a marauding Al Duhail on their tracks. Frenchman Jean Fernandez’s wards should also hope luck is on their side when they take on Algerian Djamel Belmadi-coached The Red Knights.
Al Duhail have been in superb form with an all-win record. They are ahead of 13-time league champions Al Sadd on better goal difference as both are on 15 points.
Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi, who is enjoying the form of his life, leads Al Duhail’s charge, ably supported by South Korean professional Nam Tae-Hee, Luis Martin and Karim Boudiaf. Going by the current form, El Arabi is all set to surpass his last season’s top-scorer record of 24 goals. His current tally stands at 10 goals after five rounds. 
Qatar international forward Ali Afif and Tunisian Youssef Msakni are also capable of putting up winning performances. Then, they have reliable Khalifa Abubacar to guard the goal. All these factors contributed to Al Duhail’s excellent run this time as well.
Thus, Al Gharafa face a tough task. They have paid dearly for their inconsistent performances so far this season. Fernandez would hope his players gel well as a team sooner rather than later. Their first victory came against Al Khor in the fourth round after two draws and another defeat.
Slovak Vladimir Weiss, Portuguese Diogo Amado and Chilean Luis Jimenez mainly carry Al Gharafa’s hopes. They will have to tighten their defence that has conceded more goals (seven) than they scored (six). Seasoned goalkeeper Qasim Burham is sure to face stern tests from the rival attackers.
Al Gharafa had beaten Al Duhail in the second round of QSL Cup, but then the latter’s professional players were away on international duty. Yet, just like the ‘Qatar Clasico’ between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan on Friday, much focus will be on Al Duhail and Al Gharafa.
Meanwhile, as part of preparations for the ‘Qatar Clasico’ between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan on Friday, the Qatar Stars League Management (QSLM) held a co-ordination meeting at its headquarters in Al Bidda Tower yesterday. 
QSLM’s Acting Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Hassan al-Kuwari, Competitions Department Director Ahmed al-Adsani and representatives from the Stadium Security Department as well as Al Sadd and Al Rayyan clubs were among those who attended the meeting.
A number of important issues, like the need for teams and organisers to reach the stadium well in time, inviting the public to come early to avoid crowding, opening of gates to fans, dressing rooms, match list and early presence of club representatives at the gates, were discussed.
It was also decided that spectators should keep the match tickets with them while inside the venue and co-operate fully with the security personnel.
Gates 1 and 2 have been designated for families and school students, Gate 3 for VIPs and Gate 4 for mediapersons. Gates 4 and 5 are for Al Sadd fans while their Al Rayyan counterparts can use Gates 6, 7 and 8.
Al Sadd, being the host team, will be responsible for ticketing and distribution. A special event area, which will be open from 5pm on the match day, will feature a play arena and restaurants for fans who can enjoy the special activities before entering the stadium. (Qsl.com.qa)

Hamdallah: We are aiming for three points against Al Sadd

Al Rayyan fans are eagerly awaiting their QNB Stars League Round 6 match against Al Sadd, dubbed ‘Qatar Clasico’, on Friday. 
The clash between the two teams always evoke a keen interest among all stakeholders. Both sides have stand-out players in all departments to make the game really electrifying on the pitch. Al Rayyan’s Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah spoke to the QSL Online about the game and season in general.

Q:  What’s your take on the forthcoming ‘Qatar Clasico’ against Al Sadd?
A: It’s like any other game, but needs extra work and concentration. The most important thing for us will be to gain three points.
Q: This is your first Clasico. How do you look at it?
A: Yes. This is my first Clasico. I look mainly at my team earning three points.
Q: What’s your expectation of the match?
A: It’ll be tough for both sides. We’re seeking to extend our winning run to 


























three matches in a row, having beaten Al Markhiya and Al Sailiya in the previous rounds.
Q: Al Rayyan haven’t won against Al Sadd in the league for a while… Will this match see The Lions break the jinx?
A: Each match is different and I believe Al Rayyan can win this game.
Q: Are Al Rayyan strikers capable of penetrating the Al Sadd defence?
A: Our frontline is strong. That we could score against all teams so far in this season’s league is proof of it.
Q: Which Al Sadd player worries you the most?
A: Al Sadd are a strong opponent with reputed names, but I’m not particularly worried about anyone.
Q: What’re the challenges you foresee this season?
A: The competition is very difficult this season. I just hope to stay free of injuries.
Q: What’re Al Rayyan’s ambitions this season?
A: Al Rayyan are a big name, so we expect to win titles this season as well.
Q: Have you been able to gel well with your new team-mates at Al Rayyan?
A: There’s good harmony among the players. I’m sure it’ll be further developed as the season progresses.
Q: What’s your message to Al Rayyan fans?
A: I would like to thank them for the huge support they’re giving us, on and off the field as well on social media platforms. We hope to pay back by winning titles.