Sadd face Shahania, aim to extend winning streak

Exciting matches are set to unfold in the Qatar Stars League this weekend, with clubs battling to secure valuable points as the season enters its crucial stages.
The first of these matchups sees newly-promoted Al Shahania facing the reigning champions Al Sadd at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. The game kicks off at 9:30pm, and both teams come into the match with contrasting ambitions.
Al Sadd, currently second in the league with 37 points, trail league leaders Al Duhail by just a point. They are in the midst of a strong winning run, having secured victories over Al Arabi, Umm Salal, Al Duhail, and Al Gharafa. They are also coming off a 1-1 draw against Al Wasl of the UAE in the AFC Champions League Round of 16.
Coach Felix Sanchez made it clear how crucial this match is in their push to catch Al Duhail. “We are approaching the end of the season, and we are now in the last five matches. This is another big match for us, like a final. If we want to get closer to Al Duhail, we have to win. It is the only result that will help us, and we are well aware of that,” Sanchez said ahead of the match.
The Spaniard also acknowledged the challenge posed by Al Shahania, who have had an impressive season since their promotion. “Al Shahania are a team that is having a distinguished season, and in the Second Division, they were even more distinguished. It will not be easy to beat them, but at this stage of the season, we are in a good position, and we will seek to continue performing in the same manner,” Sanchez added.
Sadd will be missing Moroccan defender Romain Saiss, who is out for three months following ankle surgery. However, the team boasts an array of talented players such as Akram Afif, Rafa Mujica, and Boualem Khoukhi, all of whom will be crucial in leading the team to victory.
Al Shahania, on the other hand, have had an impressive season after their promotion from the Second Division. Although they are in seventh place with 23 points, they have shown they can compete at the top level. They will be looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-2 loss to league leaders Al Duhail
. Key players such as Dutch striker Pelle van Amersfoort, who has netted 10 goals this season, will be pivotal to their chances. However, they will be without Francesco Antonucci due to suspension after a red card in their last match.
Al Shahania’s coach, Jose Murcia, acknowledged the challenge of facing Al Sadd but remains confident in his team’s ability to compete. Murcia pointed to the team’s resilience despite missing key players like Antonucci and Marc Muniesa, and he remains focused on their collective team effort.
“I have confidence in the players who will replace them, and for me, all the players are essential. We will play in our style and plan, and we will rely on my players to appear strongly against an integrated team,” Murcia said.

Umm Salal face Al Gharafa
At the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Umm Salal will face Al Gharafa in another crucial fixture. Umm Salal, sitting 11th with 15 points, are still battling to avoid relegation and come off a 2-2 draw against Qatar SC. A win here would give them a vital boost in their bid for survival. However, they will be without defender Marouane Louadni due to a suspension, which could leave them with a weakened defence.
Al Gharafa, who are in third place with 34 points, are looking to recover from a heavy 0-4 defeat to Al Sadd. This loss has hurt their momentum, and they will be eager to get back to winning ways. Coach Pedro Martins will have to ensure that his players respond positively, as a win could help them keep in touch with the title race, with only a few points separating them from the top two teams.
The contest between these two teams is always intense, and this match will likely continue that trend. With both teams needing points for different reasons, this could be a high-energy affair. The absence of key players like Louadni for Umm Salal and Seydou Sano for Al Gharafa could play a significant role in shaping the outcome.

Al Rayyan take on Al Khor
Finally, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan will host Al Khor in a match that holds great significance for both teams. Rayyan are in fifth place with 24 points and are coming off a solid 2-1 victory over Arabi and will be looking to build on that momentum as they aim for a top-four finish.
Al Rayyan’s coach, Artur Jorge, has instilled a strong sense of discipline and fighting spirit in the squad, and fans are optimistic that the team will continue their good form despite a loss to Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Round of 16.
Al Rayyan will need to stay focused on their domestic goals and continue to push for a top-four spot.
For Al Khor, who are in 12th place with just seven points, this match is a must-win. They are currently in danger of relegation and need to pick up points to avoid falling further behind. Coach Mehdi Nafti will rely on his attacking players, including Ricardo Gomes and Sofiane Hanni, to secure a vital win.
The team will be looking to exploit Al Rayyan’s potential distractions with their upcoming AFC match and take advantage of any lapses in focus.

Fixtures (9:30pm kick off times)
Friday: Al Rayyan vs Al Khor at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium; Al Shahania vs Al Sadd at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium; Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium
Saturday: Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC at Stadium 974; Al Arabi vs Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium; Al Duhail vs Al Ahli at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium