Alkass Digital
The opening day of the 2023-2024 Expo Stars League (ESL) season has all the ingredients needed for a blazing start with last season’s runners-up Al Arabi taking on Al Shamal today. Al Thumama Stadium will be the battleground for the clash which kicks off at 8:30 pm as both teams look to get off the blocks in the newly branded League with full points.
Al Arabi, determined to rise to the league’s summit, will be looking to maintain the fine run from the previous season, where they finished just two points behind the League winners Al Duhail. Despite missing out on the Falcon Shield, Al Arabi went on to lift the Amir Cup title, and are regarded as one of the top contenders for the prestigious ESL title this season.
The Younes Ali-coached team boasts a formidable roster of foreign professionals, including renowned players like Syrian sensation Omar Al Somah, Tunisian talent Yousef Msakni, Moroccan maestro Mohamed Taabouni, Algerian ace Wassim Keddari, and Brazilian Rafinha, with two more professional spots waiting to be filled.
Al Arabi’s overseas training stint in Spain, coupled with few friendly matches, has strengthened their preparations.
On the other hand, Al Shamal will be determined to establish their presence, having secured their League spot through a Play-Off victory against Second Division runners-up Al Khor. Al Shamal, under the guidance of Coach Poya Asbaghi, the youngest in the League, will be eager to capture their first win of the season.
Foreign professionals, including Ricardo Gomes, Younes El Hannach, Omid Ebrahimi, Jason Morello, Matias Nani, and Ali Olwan, boost Al Shamal’s line-up, while new local signings Abdulaziz Al Ansari, Khalifa Al Maliki, and Mowafaq Awad add to the team’s strength.
Al Shamal coach Poya Asbaghi
Al Shamal too underwent an intensive overseas camp in Austria where they played few friendly matches and trained rigorously.
Al Arabi coach Ali expressed his thoughts on the upcoming clash, stating: “The competition this season will be fierce, as all teams have fortified their lineups with quality players.”
“The first matches are always difficult, whether physically or during the preparation, especially since the teams are anxious before the first round. The importance of the match lies in achieving the three points, and thus it gives us a great advantage and comfort to continue and reach the farthest point possible,” Ali said.
Coach Asbaghi also accepted the challenges ahead, but said they are looking forward to strong start.
“We are looking forward to a good start in the new season. Despite the difficulty of the contest that awaits us against Al Arabi Club, last season’s runners-up of the league and Amir Cup champions. They have distinguished players with high individual skills in the squad and it will require all our effort from us to challenge them,”Asbaghi, 38, said.
“Our preparations have been good both at the overseas camp in Austria and after that. The team has become better than at the beginning of the preparation stage, which lasted nearly a month and a half,” he added.
Prior to the meeting between Al Arabi and Al Shamal, Al Wakrah and Muaither SC will launch the 2023-2024 season at Al Janoub Stadium. The kick-off is at 6.30pm.
Each team goes into the match with the desire to put the first points on the League table. Al Wakrah will be aiming to continue their distinguished performance from the past few seasons, while Muaither, who earned promotion to the top flight as Second Division champions, are looking forward to a good show and a great return this time.
With excitement building and stakes high, the Expo Stars League’s opening day promises electrifying spectacles.
Today
Al Wakrah vs Muaither at Al Janoub Stadium (18:30)
Al Arabi vs Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium (20:30)
Tomorrow
Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa at Khalifa International Stadium (18:30)
Al Markhiya vs Al Rayyan at Al Janoub Stadium (20:30)
On Friday
Al Ahli vs Al Duhail at Al Thumama Stadium (18:30)
Umm Salal vs Al Sadd at Al Bayt Stadium (20:30)