Al Kharaitiyat midfielder Tiberkanine Rachid scores his second goal against Al Khor during their QSL Cup match at Al Gharafa Stadium in this October 10 file photo.
Group Leaders Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan who have already booked their places in the semi-finals, will be looking to continue their top form once more in the Group Stage when the fifth round of the QNB Stars League (QSL) Cup kicks off today.
In today’s final round matches, Group A leaders Al Gharafa will meet Al Sailiya at Al Shamal Stadium. Facing the unbeaten Al Gharafa outfit will be no easy task for bottom placed Al Sailiya who have lost three out of their four group matches.
The match-up between Al Kharaitiyat (eight points) and Qatar SC (five) at Al Khor Stadium will determine the second team to go through from Group A.
Al Duhail and Al Khor, who are already out of contention, will play in search of a consolation win in the third match of the day at Al Arabi Stadium. All three matches will kick off at 5.10pm.
Tomorrow, in Group B, local football giants Al Rayyan will lock horns with Al Arabi at Qatar SC Stadium tomorrow. Al Rayyan reached the last-four stage with an all-win record and Al Arabi will have to topple the group leaders if they are to move into the semi-finals.
In Group B, Al Arabi occupy the second spot with five points thanks to the number of goals they have scored and the goal difference, but Al Markhiya, Umm Salal and Al Ahli also have the same amount of points.
That means all three matches which will be played tomorrow, will be do-or die battles for Al Arabi, Umm Salal, Al Markhiya and Al Ahli with the stars of the day moving into the semi-finals.
Umm Salal faces Al Markhiya challenge at Al Arabi Stadium and Al Ahli take on Al Sadd at AL Shamal Stadium. All Three matches will kick off at 5.10pm.
The first four rounds of the tournament were played when the QNB Stars League was stopped during two international breaks.
Al Duhail and Al Sadd, the leading duo in the league, faltered in the QSL Cup. As far as Al Rayyan, the third-placed side, are concerned, they took all matches seriously and fielded almost a full-strength side.
The tournament seems to be serving its purpose because it is imperative that young players get as much playing time as possible, thereby providing their clubs and the Qatar national team with a wider player pool to choose from, especially since the country is gearing up to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
