QSL
Al Duhail and Al Sadd are set for a big match-up in Week 5 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The kick-off is at 6 pm.
The upcoming match represents a significant encounter between the two prominent teams, each possessing genuine aspirations for victory and the acquisition of three points. Anticipation is high for this match as both teams are eager to secure a win and pursue the title, thereby maintaining their competitiveness in the Ooredoo Stars League for the current season.
Al Duhail approaches this match as leader of the standings, having amassed 12 points from four consecutive wins. They remain the only team yet to experience a loss or draw, achieving a perfect record by triumphing over Qatar SC, Al Rayyan, Umm Salal, and Al Wakrah in that order.
Conversely, Al Sadd occupies the third position with six points, having secured victories against Qatar SC and Al Arabi in the second and third rounds respectively, while suffering defeats to Al Shamal and Umm Salal in the first and fourth rounds.
The two teams find themselves in contrasting circumstances regarding their league results. Al Duhail recently secured a 2-0 victory against Al Wakrah in the fourth week, while Al Sadd suffered a 1-3 defeat to Umm Salal.
In terms of international competition, Al Sadd participated in their inaugural match of the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League Elite last Monday, facing Al Ain from the UAE, the reigning champions of the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League. This match took place at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in the UAE, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams boast several players of exceptional caliber capable of delivering impressive performances. Al Duhail are relying on their attacking prowess, featuring talents such as Michael Olunga, Almoez Ali, Edmilson, and Karim Boudiaf. However, midfielder Ibrahima Diallo will be unavailable for Al Duhail in the upcoming match due to a red card received in the previous game against Al Wakrah.
On the other hand, Al Sadd will rely on the brilliant Akram Afif, along with Spaniard Rafa Mujica, Mateus Uribe, Pedro Miguel, goalkeeper Meshaal Barshim, and other players. Mohammed Waad will be absent from Al Sadd after being sent off against Umm Salal.
The upcoming match is set to showcase a sophisticated tactical exchange between the two coaches, Christopher Galtier of Al Duhail and Felix Sanchez of Al Sadd. Both are adept at effectively utilizing the resources and players at their disposal.