Alkass Digital
Defending champions Al Duhail will take on Al Arabi in a mouth-watering clash as teams prepare for an exciting third week of the Expo Stars League (ESL) kicking off on Friday.
The teams, which claimed top two positions in the previous edition, are squaring off for the first time this season with the eagerly-awaited match set to take place at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Hernan Crespo’s Al Duhail had a perfect start to the new season as they edged Al Ahli 2-1 in their opening match before outclassing Muaither 4-1.
Reigning Amir Cup champions Al Arabi are yet to taste a victory this season as they were locked in identical 1-1 draws against Al Shamal and Umm Salal.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd will also look to maintain their perfect record after back-to-back wins in their first two matches. They will meet Al Wakrah – unbeaten with four points – at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
Al Rayyan – the other team to win both their matches – will seek their third consecutive victory when they will clash with Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium the same day.
The third ESL week will open on Friday with a game against Al Gharafa and Al Ahli at Al Thumama Stadium.
The Cheetahs, who have earned four points with a win and a draw, will enter the game as favourites against the Brigadiers, who have lost both their opening matches.
In a bottom-of-the-table tie, promoted Muaither and Al Markhiya will square off at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium eyeing their first points after both the teams ended up losing their games. Al Markhiya’s assistant coach Alexander Armstrong hoped his team to bounce back from defeats against Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa.
“We are targeting full points against Muaither as a win will lift us in the points table,” he told a press conference yesterday. “We are preparing well for the match and the team is confident to give a good show,” he added.
The other match on Friday will pit Umm Salal and Qatar Sports Club at Al Bayt Stadium with both teams hoping to record their first win of the season.
Al Sadd extend Barsham’s contract for five seasons
Al Sadd yesterday announced contract extension of talented Qatari goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham’s for five seasons, until 2028.
“I am thankful to the club management for showing great confidence in me,” Barsham said in a statement. “I am hoping for continued support from Al Sadd fans to continue giving my best for the club.”