Joaquin Caparos started the last season as coach but quit for personal reasons in December last year. Al Ahli then roped in youth coach Jorge who was later succeeded by Youssef Ahmed Khalifa. After the edgy campaign last season, Al Ahli quickly set about ringing changes for the new season. The team management brought back experienced coach Macala who at 75 is the oldest member to be managing a team in QNB Stars League.
A few years ago it was Macala who guided the team when they were playing in the Second Division and helped them win promotion to the QNB Stars League.
In his first QNB Stars League season, Macala helped the side finish fifth in 2015 and sixth the following year. Al Ahli is clearly counting on the experience of Macala to turbo charge the team’s campaign in the new season.
With an impressive roster of overseas players like Moroccan Mohsen Metwalli, Iranian Omid Ibrahimi and Dutch star Nigel de Jong, Al Ahli set to fire in a big way. Qatar players Abdul Rahman Mohammed, Ali Fareeuddin, Mohammed Tresoor, Magid Mohammed and Ali Qadri will add impetus to Al Ahli’s charge in the new season.
Al Ahli left for Salalah, Oman yesterday following training sessions in Doha. Al Ahli will be based in Oman for their pre-season training camp until July 24. The team will play a couple of friendlies also during this period. Al Ahli open their season against Al Rayyan on August 5 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Al Gharafa exhibit winning form at Dutch camp
Al Gharafa beat TOP Oss 1-0 in their pre-season friendly. Coached by Frenchman Christian Gourcuff, Al Gharafa are currently in the Netherlands preparing for the new QNB Stars League season.
The only goal of the match was scored by Ahmed Alaeldeen who found the net in the second half. Al Gharafa will play two more friendlies as coach Gourcuff works on his starting line-up.
The coach made a string of changes allowing his players the chance to to get some much-needed match practice. Al Gharafa have been in the Netherlands since early July. The former champions open their QNB Stars League campaign with a match against Qatar SC on August 4 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
