The preliminary round matches of the 53rd Amir Cup will kick off on Monday (April 21). The matches of this stage will be held between second division clubs, based on their standings in the current season (2024-2025), according to the single-match knockout system. Al Sailiya, who recently won the Second Division title and were officially promoted to the First Division (Qatar Stars League), are preparing to face Muaither at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
The team hopes to overcome its rivals and reach the round of 16, relying on a number of experienced players, most notably Algerian striker Mohamed Benyettou and Portuguese professional Ruben Lameiras.
Al Sailiya reached the final of the 42nd edition of the tournament in 2014, but lost to Al Sadd 3-0.
Meanwhile, Muaither are seeking to make up for their failure in the league after finishing last, and will attempt to perform as hoped, relying on the efforts of a number of its players, most notably professionals Milan Obradovic and Ansiti Ora.
In another match, Al Markhiya, the runner-up in the Second Division League, will face Mesaimeer on the same day at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
Al Markhiya are looking forward to making a strong start to their campaign in the most prestigious tournament, avoiding an early exit, and receiving a significant morale boost ahead of their clash with Umm Salal, who are ranked 11th in the Ooredoo Stars League, on April 28 at Al Bayt Stadium in the play-off match to determine which team will complete the first division next season. Mesaimeer face an extremely difficult task, especially as it is going through a difficult period, after being in 7th and penultimate place in the Second Division League this season.
Al Kharaitiyat, third in the second division, will also play Al Bidda, sixth, at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, while Al Waab, fourth, will meet Lusail, fifth, at the Grand Hamad Stadium.
Four teams will qualify from this stage via a knockout system to participate in the Round of 16, which will include the First Division clubs in a draw held on April 24.
According to tournament regulations, if the match ends in a draw, the two teams will play 30 minutes of extra time divided into two halves. If the score remains tied, a penalty shootout will be used. It is noteworthy that the Amir Cup is witnessing, for the second consecutive time in its history, the participation of 20 teams, after participation was previously limited to only 17 clubs. Al Sadd won the last edition after defeating Qatar SC 1-0.
