DOHA: Dutch star Wesley Sneijder-led Al Gharafa will be looking for full points as they look to climb into the QNB Stars League (QSL) top four when they take on strong Al Rayyan in their own backyard today.
The match kicks off at 8.10pm.
Al Gharafa has reasons for joy as yesterday they were awarded full points when the Qatar Football Association overturned their 2-3 loss to bottom side Al Markhiya. The organisers awarded The Cheetahs a 3-0 verdict as the The Oryxes had breached the rule regarding resident players by fielding six instead of the stipulated five.
Al Gharafa coach Bulent Uygun said that they are trying hard to gain the desired outcome this season.
“We are passing through a tough phase with the AFC Champions League also. The same is the case with Al Duhail, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. Yet, we are trying hard to achieve our goals,” Ugyun said.
The Turkish tactician also admitted the fact that it won’t be an easy task against the strong Al Rayyan.
“No doubt, it will be tough against Al Rayyan. They are going strong and they keep scoring a lot of goals. They have players of high calibre. However, our ambition is to win all matches. I will be forced to make some changes in view of the AFC engagements in between,” Ugyun said.
Al Gharafa are currently placed fifth in the QSL standings, just one point behind fourth placed Umm Salal.
“We are seeking a fourth-place finish in the QNB Stars League as that will give us a chance to play in the Qatar Cup as well as next year’s AFC Champions League.
“We are preparing our players to be ready for any situation and also for them to stay in good shape as we approach the end of the season. I hope we collect full points against Al Rayyan.
“As far the league title is concerned, I feel Al Duhail will sustain the momentum and win this time,” said Bulent.
Al Rayyan, with 39 points in their account, hover above fourth placed Umm Salal who are just two points behind them and will look to consolidate their position in the third place.
Having won their last week’s match by a big margin (4-0) against Qatar SC, Al Rayyan will also look to close the gap on Al Sadd who meet leaders Al Duhail today.
Coach Michael Laudrup is also aware of what Al Gharafa side is capable of.
Both teams have made it to the AFC Champions League and Laudrup said he is expecting a good game today.
“Al Gharafa are also playing in the AFC Champions League. They have done well, winning one of their matches in the premier continental competition, so it will be a good game.
“I would like to praise Qatar SC for putting up a good performance against us in the last round. Despite winning by four goals, they were strong opponents,” Laudrup said.
“Al Gharafa is a big name in Qatar. I had expected them to gain more points since the beginning of the season. They lost the services of Vladimir Weiss, but Abdelaziz Hatem returned to them. They also took on board Wesley Schneider and Mehdi Taremi. They are also focusing on the AFC Champions League fixtures and they need to overcome us in order to be in the top four,” he said.
Al Rayyan had won 3-2 in the first phase.
