A file picture of Umm Salal in action in this year's Qatar Stars League. Umm Salal are hoping to finish among the top-five.
Sixth-placed Umm Salal are seven points behind Al Gharafa but their midfielder Dheyab Al Annabi believes his side has the potential to overcome the former champions to finish among the top five clubs in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) season, which will conclude next month.
Umm Salal have experienced mixed fortunes so far this season collecting 30 points from seven victories and nine drawn games besides losing seven matches. On the other hand, Al Gharafa have earned 37 points from 11 wins and four draws while they ended up as the losing team on eight occasions.
Al Annabi feels the remaining three matches are enough for his side to snatch the fifth slot from the experienced side AL Gharafa.
“I feel that the top four places are now settled looking at the league standings. Umm Salal has to look at finishing in the highest possible position in the league, and that has to be the fifth place,” the midfielder said in an interview.
Both the sides will meet when the QSL resumes following a three-week break due to Qatar’s World Cup Qualifiers game against Iran later this month. Speaking about his team’s performance in the season, Al Annabi expressed satisfaction on the overall show by the ‘Orange Fortress’.
“The season has been tough for everyone, especially with the league being reduced to 12 teams, that has put pressure on all sides, from the ones fighting for the title or trying to avoid relegation. That being said, I am pleased with how my own team has performed this season,” he said.
The Qatari player added that Umm Salal will gain from the break as it will help them to regain fitness.
“The stoppage time comes at a good time for Umm Salal, we are looking to get our team fit and ready for our final three games, which will be a real challenge against Al Gharafa and Al Arabi,” he said.
Commenting on the QSL title race, Al Annabi predicted an exciting battle between Lekhwiya and Al Sadd for the top honour adding Al Wakrah were facing a stiff challenge to avoid relegation.
“I think it will be tough for Al Wakrah to beat the drop. As far as title is concerned, it is just between Lekhwiya and Al Sadd. It will be an interesting battle going into the last games of the season.” Al Annabi concluded the interview backing team Qatar to do well in the qualifiers.
“I hope that the Maroons do well in their next three games against Azerbaijan, Iran and Uzbekistan everyone in Qatar is hoping that they can hopefully qualify for 2018 World Cup in Russia.”
