Al Ahli's players celebrate during an Amir Cup match in this file photo.
Doha: A fierce battle for a spot in the last four is expected today when Qatar's top teams begin their quarter-final campaigns in the 2019-20 Ooredoo Cup.
Al Ahli and Al Gharafa face off in the first quarter-final of annual tournament at the Al Arabi Stadium today. The kick-off is set for 7.45pm.
Al Ahli progressed to the knockout quarterfinal in style by topping Group A with 12 points (four wins and one defeat). They had a goal difference of +7 (15 goals for and eight against).
Al Gharafa sealed their berth in the quarterfinals by virtue of having finished fourth in Group B with five points (one victory, two draws and as many defeats). They had a goal difference of -4 (six goals for and 10 against).
The Cheetahs’ only victory came in the last round when they beat Al Sailiya 2-1.
Al Ahli reached the quarterfinal of Amir Cup last week by beating Qatar SC, where as Al Gharafa bowed out of the competition after losing to Al Markhiya.
Al Gharafa may miss the services of Hector Moreno, Koo Ja-Cheol and Ahmed Alaaeldin due to injuries, but they will mainly have Jonathan Kodjia, Othman Al Yahri, Yossef Muftah, and the Algerian duo of Adlene Guedioura and Sofiane Hanni.
On the other hand, Al Ahli are better off in terms of players’ readiness. Injured Uruguayan striker Abel Mathias is expected to be in action.
Al Gharafa are the reigning champions of Ooredoo Cup. They beat Al Duhail 1-0 in last edition’s final. They had triumphed in the previous season as well.
At the same venue, , Al Wakrah will face Al Arabi in the first quarter-final.
Al Wakrah progressed to the knockout quarter-finals after finishing runners-up in Group A with eight points, four less than toppers Al Ahli.
Al Sadd and Al Rayyan (both seven points) were the other teams from Group A that advanced to the last-eight stage.
Al Wakrah had two victories and as many draws to their credit, and that was enough for them to make the cut despite losing big-time (0-6) to Al Ahli in the fifth and final round on December 6.
Al Arabi advanced to the knockout round after finishing third in Group B with seven points, behind Al Khor (13 points) and Qatar SC (10 points).
Al Arabi had only one victory to show for their efforts, but they had an unbeaten record having drawn the other four matches.
Al Gharafa were the other side from Group B to reach the quarters.
Both Al Wakrah and Al Arabi reached the Amir Cup quarterfinals last week by beating Al Shahania and Al Khor respectively on penalties.
The remaining quarter-finals will take place on Saturday, with Al Sadd playing against Qatar SC, followed by a clash between Al Khor and Al Rayyan at the Qatar SC Stadium.
