Al Rayyan players during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: A ‘stronger than ever’ Al Rayyan side look to kick off the new Expo Stars League season on a high note when they take on Al Markhiya at Al Janoub Stadium, in a battle between two formidable contenders.
The match kicks off at 8.30pm.
Both teams are poised to showcase a thrilling match, but Al Rayyan will definitely have the upper hand, having received a significant upgrade to their line-up.
Al Rayyan, who concluded last season in the ninth position, look stronger than ever, having expanded its ranks with a number of foreign additions in the caliber of Brazilian Roger Geddes, Spaniard Rodrigo Moreno, Brazilian Gabriel Pereira, and former Lyon star Tiago Mendez. Morrocan Soufiane Boufal and Japanese Shogo Taniguchi continue to strengthen their squad as the Leonardo Jardim-coached side looks to reclaim their prestige after narrowly avoiding danger zone last season.
Having secured seventh place in the previous season, Al Markhiya are too embarking on a new era under coach Anthony Hudson, the first American to lead a Qatari club. The team’s preparations have been bolstered by new signings of Tamim Al Muhaiza, Moayad Hassan, Abdulaziz Metwally, and Mohammed Al Abbasi. Joining them are foreign plaers such as Portuguese Rochinha, Gambian striker Yousufa Nji, Portuguese midfielder Joao Teixeira, and Dutch youth Novel Benes.
During a pre-match press conference, coach Jardim did not hide their aspirations.
“We’re aiming to be competitive from the very start, and our goal is clear: to secure victory,” Jardim stated, stressing the importance of fan support in the crucial opener.
Jardim also revealed the club’s ambitions to rival powerhouses Al Sadd and Al Duhail this season.
“We have a desire to compete for championships and to be among the leading teams such as Al Sadd and Al Duhail,” Jardim said.
Al Rayyan’s goalkeeper, Saud Al Hajri, also agreed, highlighting the significance of the league’s first match and the team’s resolute intention to battle for the title.
“The first match in the league championship always has special importance. The goal of the players this season is to compete for the league championship from the start, so the team will play against Al Markhiya in the opening game of Expo Stars League in order to win,” Al Hajri said.
Al Markhiya coach Anthony Hudson also stated that winning the opening match is important.
“The focus of the technical staff and all players is currently on the league championship and we want to work together to play fun football. The most important thing is to achieve positive results and I am happy for the teamwork and enthusiasm shown by the players and the administrative and technical staff towards the team in a more than wonderful atmosphere,” said Hudson.
Elsewhere today, Qatar SC and Al Gharafa will face off in another high-octane showdown at the Khalifa International Stadium. Both Qatar SC and Al Gharafa have reinforced their squads ahead of the season, welcoming fresh talent into their ranks. Qatar SC secured the fifth spot last season while Al Gharafa trailed closely in sixth.
For today’s encounter, Qatar SC’s coach Youssef Safri will be banking on a strong lineup which includes Abdullah Al Ahrak, Abdullah Moftah, Ali Malallah, Abdulrahman Al Karbi, and Sebastian Soria, alongside foreign recruits Bruno Tabata, Ali Al Saudi, Raul Sanda, Bashar Resan, Malango, Javier Martinez, and Badr Bennon.
Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Pedro Martinez, Al Gharafa also start with a formidable line-up which includes Algerian star Yacine Brahimi, Tunisian Ferjani Sassi, Ivorian Yohan Boli, former Al Rayyan player Farid Wilayat, Othman Al Yahri, Nasser Al Ahrak, Amro Seraj, Yousef Hassan, Homam Al Ameen, and Ahmed Alaaeldin as the stage is set for a mouthwatering clash on the second day of the new Expo Stars League season.
