Sadd target fifth straight win to close in on Duhail

Al Sadd will look to extend their impressive unbeaten streak as they face off against bottom-placed Al Khor, with the Qatar Stars League resuming on Friday after the international break. Currently in second place with 18 points, Al Sadd are hot on the heels of league leaders Al Duhail, trailing by just four points. Coach Felix Sanchez’s squad is riding a four-match winning streak, with recent victories over Al Gharafa, Al Shahaniya, Al Wakrah, and Al Rayyan.
Coach Felix Sanchez aims to keep the momentum going, emphasising the need to focus on one match at a time, despite the challenges of players returning from international duty.
“We have four important matches in the coming period, starting with our match against Al Khor,” Sanchez said on Thursday. “Each game has its own story, and we have to focus only on the next match. We need to work hard to prepare well and collect three points,” the former coach added.
While Al Sadd’s squad has suffered injuries, they have capable replacements who’ve kept the team performing at a high level. Sanchez’s tactical depth and ability to adapt have kept Al Sadd’s attack potent, with 26 goals scored—the second-highest in the league.
“Things are always difficult when we play after the international break, because the players return after playing two matches with their national teams and some of them have taken long trips. We have to evaluate the players’ condition in order to prepare well for this match, we know that we have a short time to prepare, but we are excited for this match,” Sanchez said.
Al Khor, languishing at the bottom of the table with only four points from nine games, are desperate to improve their position. Coach Mehdi Nafti remains optimistic despite the team’s struggles, highlighting their improved play over the past month.
“We do not look at the standings and I believe in the capabilities and potential of my players to get out of the danger zone,” Nafti stated.
“My team has been different for a month and is playing good football, but we lack results and as you can see how we performed in the last 3 or 4 matches, as the team is playing distinguished football, which makes us aspire to come out with positive results in the upcoming matches. The players are developing match after match and we are creating more opportunities and we have always been the better side in recent matches, he added.
He remains confident that his team can pull off a positive outcome, especially with key attackers Yohan Boli and Aymen Hussein in good form. Despite Al Khor’s dire situation, they will aim to leverage their home-field advantage, with Nafti urging his squad to seize this chance against the reigning champions.

Gharafa face Wakrah in
battle for top four spotAnother key fixture this week is the showdown between Al Gharafa and Al Wakrah at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, set to kick off at 6pm on Friday. The stakes are high as both teams jostle for top-four positions.
Al Gharafa, sitting fourth with 15 points, will look to veteran playmaker Yacine Brahimi and a talented offensive lineup to continue their push. Al Wakrah, just a point behind in fifth place, also come into this match on the back of a strong performance, having defeated Umm Salal 3-0 in their previous match.
Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins acknowledges the importance of this fixture. “Al Wakrah are a team known for their collective play,” he noted, emphasising the need for his squad to deliver a cohesive performance.
Al Wakrah’s coach Ali Rahma al-Marri is similarly focused, highlighting his players’ readiness after the international break. “We tried to exploit the QSL Cup break to prepare, and now our goal is to collect three points against direct competitors.”
In the other match on Friday, Al Rayyan face off against Al Shamal at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, with both teams tied on 10 points. Al Rayyan hold a slight edge due to goal difference, but both sides are eager to climb higher in the standings after suffering losses in the previous round.
Rayyan’s coach Younes Ali emphasises the importance of focus and converting opportunities into goals after their narrow 1-2 defeat to Al Sadd. “Our focus now is on the existing group and winning the next four games,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Al Shamal coach Nuno Almeida is looking to bounce back from a heavy 2-6 loss to Al Duhail and aims to shore up his team’s defence.
Tomorrow, defending champions Al Duhail will play Al Arabi at the Al Thumama Stadium at 3pm while Umm Salal will meet Al Ahli at the Grand Hamad Stadium at 5.30pm. Qatar SC will face Al Shahania at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium at 5.30pm.