Yacine Brahimi
Doha: Al Gharafa have recruited Algerian star Yacine Brahimi in a bid to strengthen their side ahead of the new football season.
The 32-year-old will wear number 8 in the colours of the seven-time Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions after leaving Al Rayyan following a three-year-stint.
“I would like to thank you for these beautiful three years at Rayyan FC and especially for your support, I had an unforgettable time here. I thank my team-mates, coaching staff and all the people who work at the club,” the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner posted on Instagram, yesterday.
Al Gharafa will present the Algerian star at a press conference today.
Brahimi, who was part of the Algerian team when they clinched the AFCON title, has been wearing the national colours since 2013 and has scored 14 goals in 66 international appearances.
Andrea Stramaccioni-coached Al Gharafa missed out on a top-four finish at last season’s QSL and ended up in fifth position with 30 points, and they hope for a significant improvement in the next season after roping in Brahimi, who has played an influential role for his national team and previous clubs.
The Cheetahs registered nine wins, three draws and lost 10 matches, and scored the most number of goals after champions Al Sadd (80) and runners-up Al Duhail (59).
Al Gharafa’s AFC Champions League campaign this year ended after they finished third in their Group with five points from one win and two draws.
The former Rennes, Clermont, Granada and Porto player, Brahimi made his Qatar Stars League debut in July 2019 and scored 15 goals and assisted 5 times in 22 appearances in his first season in which the Lions finished second.
During his time in Qatar, Brahimi has scored 33 goals and provided 18 assists in 83 matches in all competitions at Al Rayyan.
Al Gharafa will kick off their new QSL season when they will meet Al Sailiya on August 2 at Khalifa International Stadium.
