Al Khor, Al Shamal to battle for a place in QNB Stars League

Al Shamal will look to keep their QNB Stars League status intact, while Al Khor will be hoping for a promotion into the top flight when the two side meet in a play-off match today at 7pm at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The play-off pits the 11th-placed team (Al Shamal) in the final standings of QNB Stars League against the second-placed team (Al Khor) in Second Division championship. The winners will earn a berth in the next season of the QNB Stars League and the losers will play in Second Division.
In the event of scores level at the end of regular time, an extra time of 30 minutes, divided into two halves, will be used. If the game is still tied, penalty shoot-out will be enforced.
Al Duhail won the league title for the eighth time last Monday following their 5-2 win over Al Shamal in the final game of the season. Al Shamal went into Play-Off after they were edged by Umm Salal on goal difference after both teams were tied on 18 points for 11th place.
On the other hand, Al Khor emerged as the Second Division runners-up with 28 points, behind Muaither SC, who got promoted to the QNB Stars League.
Al Khor coach Nabil Anwar said his side is motivated for the crucial game. “An important and crucial match for the two teams, as a cup final. We had tried to go up directly, but we were not successful, now we have the opportunity in our hands in this decisive match. I am confident that the players will do their best to return to the first division. We are all united and we have a goal that we must achieve. The ambition and determination of the players will make us win this match and we can return to the top flight,” he said.
Al Shamal coach Wesam Rizik conceded it won’t be easy for his side. “The Al Khor match is the most important for us this season, as technical staff, players and fans, and we consider it as a match to save the season for Al Shamal,” said Rizik.
“I did not wish that we would be in this situation, but this is what happened and we have to deal with it. It was a very difficult season full of fluctuations, many injuries and breaks, and we have no alternative now but to win if we want to stay in the league. The game will not be easy, opponent is a good team with distinguished players and a competent coach, and they have ambitions to advance to the First Division. All our players are ready the match,” he added.