Umm Salal will resume their QNB Stars League (QSL) campaign with a clash against Qatar SC today, hoping to continue their winning form in Round 17 at the Qatar SC Stadium.
The Orange Fortress, under coach Wesam Rizik, have been in phenomenal form, occupying fifth place in the standings with 25 points from 16 matches including six wins and seven draws.
In their previous two matches, Umm Salal defeated Al Gharafa 3-1 before thrashing Umm Salal 6-0 last week. Qatar SC are ninth in the table with 16 points (four wins, as many draws and seven defeats) from 15 matches.
Rizik said Qatar SC may be struggling in the league but they have a talented side, which can excel in any game.
“Qatar SC are one of the strong and organised teams, and we worked for the game with utmost importance because it is a big match against a respected team,” Umm Salal coach told a pre-match press.
“I know Qatar SC are good and their results do not reflect their excellent performance. We underwent strong training and all players were in full concentration in order to achieve satisfactory results in view of the hectic schedule,” he added.Rizik said his players are fresh after a break in the QSL, saying all of his team’s focus is on finishing the league on a good position.
“It was also an opportunity for the players and technical staff to correct mistakes, so that we can finish the season in a good position. Every player takes into account the great importance of the matches, especially since the upcoming rounds will of course be difficult for all teams because each team seeks to improve its position in the table. From here, all matches will be difficult for the teams and we hope to continue our good form,” he said. Meanwhile, Qatar SC coach Youssef Safri said his team is targeting a positive result in the match.
“The results are the most important factor in football, and this will not be achieved without great work from the entire system. That is what we are doing on the ground and what we need are only positive results, as we have been doing in the last four or five matches. We have presented distinct technical levels,” he said.
In other match today, sixth-placed Al Arabi will meet Al Shamal at the Qatar SC Stadium, hoping for maximum points to raise their points tally of 23 from 16 games. Al Shamal are placed 10th with 13 points. Also today, Al Ahli will host Al Khor in Round 17 clash
