Alkass Digital
Al Rayyan and Al Duhail are set to clash in a pivotal third-round matchup of the 2024-25 QSL Cup (Group A) on Friday at 7:45 PM at the Grand Hamad Stadium. Both teams are aiming to establish themselves as group leaders, with each having six points from two wins. However, Al Rayyan currently holds an edge due to a superior goal difference.
Al Rayyan's campaign began with a 1-0 win over Al Shahania, followed by a commanding 3-0 victory against Al Arabi. Meanwhile, Al Duhail secured a 2-1 win over Qatar SC in their opener and defeated Al Ahli 2-0 in the second round.
Group A also includes Al Arabi, Qatar SC, Al Shahania, and Al Ahli. The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, and all teams in this group still have a realistic shot at progressing.
Al Duhail recently suffered their first league defeat against Al Shahania, leading coach Christophe Galtier to shift his focus to the QSL Cup to help the team regain form ahead of their league return. Galtier is determined to see his team maintain their winning momentum and avoid further slip-ups.
On the other side, Al Rayyan's coach, Younes Ali, remains optimistic that his side can continue their strong run and secure a win over Al Duhail, enhancing their chances in the competition.
Earlier in the day, Al Arabi will face Al Shahania at 5:45 PM at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium. Al Arabi currently sit third in the group with three points, while Al Shahania are fifth with one point. The game is expected to be fiercely contested as both teams aim to boost their chances of advancing.
Al Arabi coach Anthony Hudson and Al Shahania’s Alvaro Mejia will be strategizing to field their best line-ups, with both sides eager to claim the three points at stake.
In another Group A match, Qatar SC will take on Al Ahli at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 7:45 PM. Qatar SC hold fourth place in the group with one point, having suffered a loss to Al Duhail and earned a thrilling draw against Al Shahania. Al Ahli, currently sixth with no points, are seeking redemption after defeats against both Al Arabi and Al Duhail.
Meanwhile, in Group B action, Umm Salal will face Al Gharafa on Saturday at 5:45 PM at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, and Al Shamal will meet Al Khor at 7:45 PM at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.