The Peninsula
Al Duhail have destiny in their own hands as a win over Al Shamal in their final game would make them the QNB Stars League (QSL) champions.
The Hernan Crespo’s side will enter their home turf of Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium with a two-point advantage over second-placed Al Arabi, who will play Al Sadd simultaneously at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Al Duhail could have sealed the title but Al Sadd held their celebrations with a 3-1 win last week.
Crespo has warned his side to avail the “last” opportunity of winning the top flight after a gap of two seasons and complete a treble for the season following the Ooredoo Cup and Qatar Cup triumphs.
“The Al Shamal match is our last chance to win the league title. So far, we are still on top of the standings and we must complete our work by winning the league title,” Al Duhail coach told a press conference yesterday.
“There is an opportunity for that and we must take advantage of it, and we must trust ourselves,” he added.
Al Duhail captain Almoez Ali said: “We want to win our third title this season and show good performance and a great show.”
In Al Shamal, the Red Knights face a side battling to stay in the QSL as they are ninth with 18 points, struggling along with Umm Salal (17 points), Al Rayyan (17 points) and Al Sailiya (16 points) to avoid relegation and Play-Off.
“We hope that we will live up to our expectations in order to achieve our goal of staying in the league,” said Al Shamal coach Wesam Rizik.
Al Arabi hope for title, Al Sadd eye second spot
Today’s Qatar Derby between Al Arabi and Al Sadd will also grab attention of fans as the Dream Team look for a win and luck to emerge as champions. The two teams will also face off for the prestigious Amir Cup title on Friday.
Al Arabi need to beat Al Sadd and hope for an upset win for Al Shamal against Al Duhail to lift the Falcon Shield.
“A big match awaits us against Al Sadd at the end of the league. This confrontation is exciting not only because it is crucial for the league title, but because the two teams will also meet again in the Amir Cup final,” said Al Arabi coach Younes Ali.
“Our games against Al Sadd are always characterised by strength, excitement and competition, so it will not be an easy match, especially in such difficult circumstances for the two teams,” he added.
After missing the chance to win the third consecutive QSL crown, Al Sadd are aiming for a second finish as they are third with 44 points – two behind Al Arabi.
“Al Arabi are a strong team and they are going through a very good season so far, and as always we will try our best to win the match and get second place,” said Al Sadd coach Juan Manuel Lillo.
“The match will be difficult and we must focus a lot to achieve what we seek, especially as we will meet the same team four days later in the Amir Cup final,” he added.
Meanwhile, the fourth spot will also be decided today with Al Wakrah (36 points) and Qatar SC (35 points) in fray for the coveted place. Al Wakrah will meet Al Sailiya in their last match while Qatar SC will wrap up their QSL season against Umm Salal.
Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa will square off in today’s other match as all five games will begin at 7pm. The last match of the QSL season will be played between Al Ahli and Al Markhiya tomorrow.