Al Ahli players celebrate after scoring a goal in this file photo.
Al Ahli will be looking to avoid late troubles and collect full points against Al Kharaitiyat as the 24th round of Qatar Stars League (QSL) action kicks-off today.
Seventh placed Al Ahli will have the advantage of playing on their home turf against Al Kharaitiyat and will be aiming to end the season on a high note. On the other hand, Al Kharaitiyat will put every effort to get out of the danger zone, being placed 10th in the QSL standings, with only three more rounds left in the season.
The Brigadiers suffered a number of injury blows this season, but they have proved that they are no easy prey. A spirited 3-2 win against Al Shaniyah in their last time out lifted them to the seventh position.
Head coach Yusef Adam revealed his thoughts to the local media ahead of the game during a pre match press conference held yesterday.
“I hope that the restart will be positive for my side. We are looking for a win to officially put the relegation issue to bed. We need to play with determination and take our chances against Al Kharaitiyat.”
“We know Al Kharaitiyat well, they are a strong side. They are in trouble also so we must be focused; Whoever wins it will be a big three points pulling either side further away from relegation” added the Qatari coach.
Adam revealed that they will be missing the services of their Ghanaian defender, John Benson due to fitness issues.
“John Benson will be missing for the side, but will be back in two games. We are playing for the final three games in the league, and then the cup competitions.”
Al Kharaitiyat, despite hovering above the drop zone, are just two points behind Al Ahli, having accumulated 25 points.
A win for Al Ahli today will add more woes to Al Kharaitiyat, but if the opposite happens, they have the opportunity to rise above the Brigadiers. They have done well during their last five games, claiming three victories, meaning that they have a good chance of beating the drop to the Qatar Gas League.
Thunders coach Ahmad Al Ajlani explained that the tie will be a real challenge for his side.
“This is going to be a tough game, in a decisive part of the season. We will be playing Al Ahli, this will be difficult for both sides and we know that three points for both sides will pull us further away from trouble.”
“We used the break to improve the fitness and relax the players, we have been focusing on the mental side of the game; We have many personalities in our squad who have been shouldering the pressure we have been under from relegation” added Al Ajlani when asked about his preparations during the international break.
The game will kick-off at 6.20pm.
