Al Shamal’s Baghdad Bounedjah (left) and Naim Sliti attend team’s training session.
DOHA: Al Shamal head coach David Prats is anticipating a strong challenge against Al Gharafa tomorrow as his side looks to maintain their perfect start in the Qatar Stars League.
Al Shamal have been the only side in the QSL to win all four of their matches, having defeated Al Ahli, Al Rayyan, Al Sailiya and Al Arabi to lead the top-flight standings.
They now face a stern test in Pedro Martins’ Al Gharafa at the Khalifa International Stadium as they aim to maintain their top form.
The Cheetahs have also made an impressive start to the QSL season, currently sitting third with nine points – just one behind second-placed Qatar SC.
“We’re expecting a very tough match against one of the best teams in the league. They have just played in the AFC Champions League [Elite],” Prats said at a press conference yesterday, referring to Al Gharafa’s recent 3-4 loss to Sharjah FC.
Al Shamal head coach David Prats
The Spaniard said focus will be key for his side in the game.
“Al Gharafa have top players like Yacine Brahimi, Joselu and Ferjani Sassi. We must approach the game with full focus and intensity. I have full confidence in my players. They’ve shown great commitment and quality in the first four rounds, and they understand the responsibility they carry to make our fans proud,” he said.
“We’ve started well and want to continue competing at the highest level. This match will be difficult for both teams and both will be fighting for the three points.”
Al Shamal’s Tunisian star Naim Sliti added: “It’s a tough match against a strong team. We’re confident in our group and will fight to keep the momentum going and take all three points.”
In a simultaneous kick-off at Al Thumama Stadium tomorrow, Al Duhail - coached by Djamel Belmadi -will be aiming for three points against Al Arabi as they seek to continue their recovery following a poor start.
Al Duhail defeated Umm Salal in their previous clash to secure their first win of the season, and Belmadi will want his side to build on that momentum and improve their seventh-place standing, where they sit with just four points to their credit.
The Red Knights return to domestic action following a 1-2 defeat to Al Hilal in a tough AFC Champions League Elite match in Riyadh.
Al Arabi are eighth with four points, trailing Al Duhail only on goal difference.
Meanwhile, defending champions Al Sadd will look to bounce back in the league when they host Al Wakrah in tomorrow’s late match at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The Wolves were stunned by Al Shahania in their previous QSL outing but showed improvement in a 1-1 draw against Iraq’s Al Shorta in their AFC Champions League Elite fixture in Baghdad.
Al Sadd are currently sixth with six points, with Al Wakrah just ahead in fifth place, holding a one-point advantage.
Sunday’s fixtures will see Marquez Lopez’s Qatar SC take on Al Shahania, while Al Rayyan face Al Ahli. Umm Salal and Al Sailiya will square off in another fixture of the day.
