Doha: The preliminary round of the 53rd edition of the Amir Cup will take place today, as teams from Qatar’s Second Division League – the nation’s second-tier competition – clash for four coveted spots in the Round of 16.
Al Markhiya players in action during a training session. Al Markhiya will face Mesaimeer in the preliminary round today.
All eight Second Division League clubs have a shot at progressing in the prestigious tournament for the second consecutive year, as they compete for a place alongside the 12 top-tier teams from the Qatar Stars League (QSL).
Excitement is high following a dramatic league finale last week that saw Al Sailiya clinch the title with a three-point lead over runners-up Al Markhiya. Al Kharaitiyat finished third, just two points behind Al Markhiya.
Al Sailiya – coached by Mirghani Al Zain – will take on Muaither at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, aiming to continue their strong form after securing promotion to the QSL as Second Division champions. Muaither, meanwhile, finished at the bottom of the standings with just 11 points.
“We’re proud to be part of the Amir Cup, and we hope that winning the Second Division League will drive us to deliver our best in the tournament,” Al Sailiya coach Al Zain said yesterday.
“We’ll approach the preliminary round with full focus and high morale. Our aim is to go as far as possible in the competition.”
Al Markhiya will face Mesaimeer at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, ahead of their crucial play-off for a QSL spot against Umm Salal on April 28.
Mesaimeer wrapped up their campaign in seventh place.
“Participating in the Amir Cup is an honour for any club. This tournament holds special significance for every player and coach,” said Al Markhiya coach Sultan Al-Musaifri.
“We’ve prepared well to face Mesaimeer, and we understand that in matches like these, rankings and past results don’t matter. We’re fully ready for the challenge — both mentally and physically.”
In another anticipated clash, Al Kharaitiyat will meet Al Bidda SC at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, with the former entering as favourites after a strong finish to the season.
Al Bidda ended the league in sixth position.
Meanwhile, Al Waab SC will take on Lusail SC at Grand Hamad Stadium, rounding out today’s fixtures with all matches kicking off at 7pm.
The four winners will join the 12 QSL sides in Thursday’s draw, where Round of 16 matchups will be determined.
Newly-crowned QSL champions Al Sadd and runners-up Al Duhail are expected to be among the leading contenders for this year’s Amir Cup.
Al Sadd, who have lifted the trophy a record 19 times, will enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating Qatar SC in last year’s final.
