Doha: Al Sadd have announced the signing of Algerian defender Abdessamed Bounacer to bolster the first football team for the new 2024-2025 season. Bounacer joins from USM Alger and has signed a five-year contract with Al Sadd. Al Sadd will commence their Qatari league campaign against Al Shamal on August 10th at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The team also awaits the results of the group stage draw for the Elite AFC Champions League, scheduled for August 16th. As part of their preparation, Al Sadd will conclude their friendly matches with a game against Spanish side Almeria on July 28th during their training camp in Malaga, Spain. The team has already secured victories in their previous friendly matches against South African team Orlando Pirates (3-2) and Manchester 62 from Gibraltar (8-0). Additionally, Al Sadd have appointed former Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez on a two-year contract until 2026 and signed Spanish striker Rafa Mujica for four seasons during the current summer transfer window. Source: Qatar News Agency