Qatar SC players in action during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar SC will look to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Al Sadd when they take on Al Ahli in the opening match of Week 3 of the Qatar Stars League season at Al Thumama Stadium today.
The Kings suffered a 6-2 loss to Al Sadd in the previous round after opening their campaign with a draw against Al Wakrah. They are 11th in the standings with one point, just above bottom side Al Sailiya, who have lost both their matches.
Qatar SC coach Marquez Lopez said his side were focused on getting a positive result against an Al Ahli team strengthened by new signings.
“Our match against Al Ahli is crucial and our goal is to achieve a positive result,” Marquez said.
“The absences are significant, especially when they involve more than one key player. In our first match, we fielded five players who were making their debut, so we are working with the available players and preparing them appropriately.
“Al Ahli are a strong team and they have signed six new players who have strengthened their squad. We expect a tough match against them.”
Al Ahli, meanwhile, are 10th with one point following their entertaining 3-3 draw against Lusail in the previous round. They too are chasing their first win after a similar start to the campaign.
Al Ahli coach Borja Jimenez said his side needed victory to build confidence after dropping points against Lusail.
“We dropped two points in our previous match against Lusail and the team has no option but to win to gain points and confidence to continue the winning streak,” Jimenez said.
“The team is performing well. They just need to secure points and then they will be outstanding in the remaining matches.
“We need focused play against Qatar SC, especially since they are also a strong team and will fight for points. Overcoming them will not be easy, making the match difficult and requiring high concentration to achieve victory.”
The first match kicks off at 5pm before Al Sailiya face Al Arabi at Khalifa International Stadium at 7:15pm.
Al Arabi players during a training session yesterday. They are seeking their first win of the QSL season.
Al Sailiya will be looking to open their account after losing their first two matches, while Al Arabi enter the contest seeking their maiden win after drawing both their opening games.
Al Arabi are sixth with two points, and coach Cosmin Contra expects a difficult test against an opponent desperate to change their early-season fortunes.
“The upcoming match against Al Sailiya is very tough. The fact that the opponent stumbled at the beginning of the season does not mean the match will be easy, but rather increases the danger, especially since they possess excellent attacking players,” Contra said.
“Our team’s tactical system is improving with each match and I have complete confidence in the ability of all players to translate the tactical ideas to the field and return with all three points to strengthen the team’s position in the standings.”
Al Sailiya coach Mirghani Al Zain also acknowledged the challenge posed by Al Arabi but backed his players to respond after their two defeats.
“The match against Al Arabi will be tough and challenging, given the capabilities of the opponents. I have confidence in our players’ ability to perform at the required level and deliver a strong showing,” he said.
“Al Arabi are a strong team and not easy to beat, but we will strive to be a worthy opponent and deliver a performance that will help us achieve the result we are aiming for.”
At the top, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan lead the standings with two wins apiece, followed by Al Shamal and Al Duhail, who have four points each.
