The Peninsula
Doha: With the new Ooredoo Stars League season's kick-off fast approaching, Qatari clubs revved up their preparations while taking part in training camps in Europe.
Among them, Al Duhail and Al Sadd clinched victories in friendlies, while several clubs geared up to face European opponents in the coming days.
On Monday, former champions Al Duhail defeated Hungary's Csikszereda 3-1 in a friendly encounter in Lebring, Austria. The match was played as part of their preparatory camp in Europe.
The Red Knights will also play four more friendly matches as they gear up for the new season.
They will take on Austria's Sturm Graz on July 19, UAE’s Ittihad Kalba on July 24, Saudi Arabia's Al Khaleej on July 28, and Saudi Damac on July 31.
Al Duhail will kick off the new season when they face Qatar SC in the opening round of the Ooredoo Stars League on August 19 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Earlier, on Monday, the reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd secured a crushing 8-0 victory over Manchester 62 from Gibraltar. It was the Wolves' first friendly match during their pre-season camp which is currently underway in Malaga, Spain.
Gonzalo Plata scored a hat-trick, Rafa Mujica netted a brace while Abdullah Al Yazidi, Pedro Miguel, and Giovanni Henrique added a goal to contribute to the huge win at Banus Training Centre in Malaga.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli are set to play three friendly matches during their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands.
The team will face the Eindhoven U23 squad on Saturday, and will also meet UAE’s Al Wasl on July 24, concluding with a game against Belgian club Lommel Sportkring.
Al Ahli will continue to train in Eindhoven until August 2 before returning to Doha ahead of their opening Ooredoo Stars League against Al Wakrah on August 11 at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Meanwhile, Al Shamal SC, who are also undergoing training in the Netherlands, officially announced the appointment of Portuguese coach Nuno Almeida. Almeida, who previously served as an assistant coach at Al Sadd under Jesualdo Ferreira, fills in for Swedish coach Poya Asbaghi who moved to Al Rayyan.