Al Sadd players during a training session ahead of match against Al Ahli.
Doha: Defending champions Al Sadd will take on Al Ahli hoping to continue their winning run in the QNB Stars League (QSL) at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium, today.
The match is a great opportunity for both teams as Al Ahli seek to make up for their 0-4 loss to Al Rayyan in the last round and Al Sadd seek their sixth successive victory in the league championship after the long break.
Al Ahli are placed seventh with 17 points from four wins, as many defeats and five draws from 13 matches. The Brigadiers have scored 22 goals and conceded 24.
On the other hand, Al Sadd are ranked third with 22 points from 12 matches, on goal difference from fourth-placed Qatar SC.
Al Sadd had beaten Al Ahli 3-2 in the first leg of the season.
Al Sadd coach Juan Manuel Lillo said his team will do its best to earn full points.
Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic during a training session in this file photo.
“Every week, each competitor has unique characteristics, which makes every match a challenge for us. The Al Ahli match will be difficult and strong as happened in the first leg, and we will work to do our best to achieve victory,” Lillo said yesterday.
“Of course, it is important for us to maintain the series of victories and the way we win is also equally important. Our only focus at present is on our next match against Al Ahli,” he added.
Al Ahli coach Nebojsa Jovovic has a strong offensive line led by Jordanian Yazan Al Naimat, Abdulrashid Ibrahim, and Algerian Sofiane Hanni, who missed the last match due to injury. They will also miss Mohammed Al Ishaq, who was red-carded in their last match in addition to some players who are recuperating.
Jovovic said Al Sadd is a difficult test but the coach hoped his side will bounce back from defeat against Al Rayyan.
“Al Sadd are a strong team and have the best players. The match will not be easy but we will work to prepare the team to provide the best technical levels and produce the required results. I have confidence in the abilities of the players. They will come back strongly and overcome the loss against Al Rayyan to make the Al Ahli fans happy,” he said.
“It is very important for the players to perform well against Al Sadd and defend their chances of winning, especially in view of our need to advance in the league standings,” said Nebojsa.
Al Gharafa will take on Al Shamal in today’s other fixture at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
