Qatar Cup 2017 Preview- Lekhwiya Vs El Jaish
Jaish and the Lekhwiya face-off with the chance to play Al Sadd in 2017 Qatar Cup final
QSL Champions Lekhwiya will face a stern test of their domestic treble credentials when they take on local rivals El Jaish in the second semi-final of the 2017 Qatar Cup competition. Both sides faced each other in the final of last season’s Qatar Cup final, and will both be targeting a win to get into the Qatar Cup final.
Lekhwiya are fresh from lifting their fifth ever QSL title, following their 2-2 draw with Al Shahania in the final round of the QSL season. Djamel Belmadi will be determined to defeat their rivals to progress to their third straight Qatar Cup final.
Belmadi could be without professionals Yusef Msakni and Chico Flores for the game, after only just returning to training on Wednesday evening. Whilst leading scorer Yusef El Arabi will not have any part of the game as his shoulder injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Edgar da Silva is set to deputise for El Arabi in attack, and the big Brazilian will be eager to add to the tally of two goals he has scored so far this season. As ever, Lekhwiya’s South Korean international Nam Tae Hee will be expected to pull the strings in attacking midfield.
As for El Jaish, they will be looking to be the only ever side to retain the Qatar Cup trophy. Sabri Lamouchi’s side ended the QSL campaign in fourth place and will be looking to edge out their local rivals to head to the April 29th final against Al Sadd.
Lamouchi will have a fully fit squad to choose for the game, and will likely go with his first choice side. Jaish will have to depend on foreign imports Uzbek forward Sardor Rashidov and Brazilian striker Romarinho to break the strong defence of Lekhwiya backline. Rashidov and Romario must retain their goal-scoring form in the second semi-final on Friday, if El Jaish wants an upset result.
It certainly promises to be a fascinating match when local rivals Lekhwiya take on El Jaish for the chance to face Al Sadd in the 2017 Qatar Cup final.
