Qatar SC, Mesaimeer face off in Emir Cup Opener

The first round draw of HH The Emir Cup 2016-17 took place in the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) headquarters yesterday. Qatar SC will take on Mesaimeer in the opening match of Round 1 of the Emir Cup, while Al Markhiya will face Al Shamal in the other opening-round clash of the most popular football competition in the country.The draw ceremony on Tuesday was conducted by Ali Homoud al-Naimi, QFA Head of Competitions. QFA competitions representative Fahad Rashid was also present as well as the representatives of the four clubs. The first-round matches will be held on April 9 at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium also known as Al Ahli Stadium. If the two matches end in draw, no extra time will be played and the winner will be decided during a penalty shootout. The second stage of HH The Emir Cup will start on April 23, while the main draw ceremony will be held on April 17.  Ali Homoud al-Naimi said: “This is the first time that we are organising two draw ceremonies for the two stages of the tournament. The second division matches, which are typically played in round 1 of the Emir Cup, will be played before the main draw ceremony takes place. This is due to the fact that the Qatargas League concluded before the Qatar Stars League. As such second division teams are their best technical conditions at this stage and it’s best to start their matches immediately after the end of the Qatargas League.”Last year, in the final Lekhwiya beat Al Sadd 4-2 in penalties after both sides drew 2-2 at the end of the regular time.