Doha: Umm Salal are set face Al Shamal in the opening match of Week 2 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.
The match is expected to be strong and exciting, and the two teams enter the match with a common goal, which is to win, especially since Al Shamal will seek to continue their victories and progress after achieving an exciting win over holders Al Sadd in Week 1.
Umm Salal, on the other hand, will work to compensate for their 1-3 loss in the first round against Al Rayyan. Al Shamal enter the match with three points, while Umm Salal have no points.
The upcoming match is anticipated to be intense, with Al Shamal aiming for a second victory to enhance their standing in the league. Their Portuguese coach Nuno Almeida is eager to maintain his successful streak, relying on key players such as prolific scorer and Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah, who netted both their goals against Al Sadd, along with Matias Nani, Younes Belhanda, Jeison Murillo and Omid Ebrahimi.
U
mm Salal are seeking to make a turnaround and their mission will not be easy, but coach Patrice Carteron will try to adjust his plan in order to win and return to winning ways and avoid a second loss, especially since he has a group of players capable of correcting the team’s situation, including Kenji Gorre, Victor Lekhal, Antonio Mansi, Oussama Tannane, Marouane Louadni, Naim Laidouni and Edidiong Essien.
Meanwhile, Khalifa International Stadium will host the much-anticipated clash between Al Duhail and Al Rayyan, also on Friday.
The encounters between the two teams consistently exhibit a high level of intensity and rivalry, attributed to the exceptional talent of their players. Furthermore, both teams are driven by their aspirations to secure victory, having commenced their campaigns with a win. Their ambition to earn the full three points is crucial for maintaining momentum in the competitive landscape as they strive for the title.
Al Duhail approach the upcoming match with a three-point lead at the to
p of standings, following their impressive 6-1 win against Qatar SC. The match on Friday presents a fresh challenge for the team, which is determined to secure a second consecutive victory. It is anticipated that each player will exert maximum effort to ensure the team’s success.
On the other hand, Al Rayyan have three points and are in second place in the standings, on goal difference with Al Duhail and Al Shamal (third), after winning the first-round game 3-1 against Umm Salal.
With both teams possessing great strength in defence, midfield and attack under coaches Frenchman Christopher Galtier of Al Duhail and Swede Poya Asbaghi of Al Rayyan, a keen contest is on the cards.
Ooredoo Stars League matches continue on Saturday as Qatar SC and title holders, Al Sadd, will engage themselves in a strong encounter.
The result of the match and its points will be of great importance to both teams, as Qatar SC seek to compensate for their recent 1-6 loss to Al Duhail and achieve a positive result against holders A
l Sadd, who also suffered a 1-2 loss in the first round against Al Shamal.
Qatar SC and Al Sadd are entering the match without any points after their first losses, so it is expected that each team will strive hard with all their strengths to collect their first three points.
They both are sure to show great caution in order to achieve a positive result. Qatar SC, under Yousef Al Noubi, seek to overcome the first loss and present the best.
On the other hand, Al Sadd will be tough and fierce competitors under the tutelage of Spanish coach Felix Sanchez and they are awaiting the return of some of their players from injury, namely Hassan Al Haydous, Gonzalo Plata, Mustafa Tariq and Mateus Uribe, who were absent from the against Al Shamal.
Source: Qatar News Agency