Chance for minnows in Emir Cup second round

Newly-promoted Markhiya will get a taste of what it feels like in the top flight when they take on Al Ahli in the second round of the Emir Cup football tournament today.
Markhiya, who won the second division Qatargas League and have been promoted to the Qatar Stars League, will have to be at their best if they are to progress to the third round for only the first time in their history.
A fine goal by Salih al-Yahri helped Markhiya go past Al Shamal in the opening round, but Al Ahli are Qatar Stars League veterans who have also won the Emir Cup in the past.
But Markhiya can take heart from the fact that under coach Silvio Diliberto they have shown signs of progress, confirmed by their victory in the Qatargas League.
“The Emir Cup is the most prestigious tournament in Qatar and it will be a challenge for us to play against Al Ahli,” Diliberto said at his press conference.
“We have the players who can do the job. They are highly motivated after winning the Qatargas title and are keen to show they belong in the top flight next season. The Emir Cup will surely give us an indication where we stand,” said the Dutchman who played for PSV Eindhoven. Club president Mubarak al-Nuaimi is also wary of the tough task ahead for his players next season.
“We are proud to be the Qatargas champions but the Qatar Stars League is a totally different ball game,” he said.
 “However, we have a comprehensive game plan for the future and if we can implement that fully we can reach perform at the highest level,” he added.
Al-Nuaimi said the team had full faith in Diliberto
“Silvio will continue as the coach of the team. Other officials will also remain unchanged,” he added.
Al Ahli are the inaugural winners of the Emir Cup in 1974 and last year played the quarter-final. However, the Qatar Stars League ended in disappointing fashion for them as they could only finish 10th.
Also today, former winners Al Arabi will face second division Mesaimeer. Arabi are looking for their first title in 24 years but couldn’t get past the third round last season.
Al Wakrah and Al Shahania, the two clubs who were relegated from the QSL, will also clash in the Emir Cup today.
Today’s fourth match involves Muaither and Al Khor.