QFA Cup to be held from April 15

The draw for the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Cup championship took place yesterday. The group stage matches of the tournament will be held from April 15 from 25 and will be contested by QNB Stars League and the second Division teams.

In total 17 teams will feature in the tournament. Qatar’s top teams Al Sadd, Al Duhail and Al Rayyan, however, will not take part as they will be busy with AFC Champions League matches. The teams have been divided into five groups, with Groups A and B featuring four teams each and Groups C, D and E three teams each. Group winners and three best runner-up teams will enter quarterfinals. The opening match in the group stage will be held between Mesaimeer and Al Ahli at the Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, while Al Khor take on Al Bidda in a late night game. DrawGroup A: Al Ahli, Al Khor, Al Bidda, MesaimeerGroup B: Al Gharafa, Qatar SC, Al Shahaniya, Al MarkhiyaGroup C: Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, MuaitherGroup D: Al Kharaitiyat, Al Arabi, Al ShamalGroup E: Al Sailiya, Al Waab and Lusail