QNB Stars League Week 2 – Sunday Preview
The QNB Stars League Week 2 fixtures on Sunday, 12th August, are Al Shahania vs Al Kharaitiyat (17:30) and Al Sadd vs Al Arabi (19:40) at the Al Sadd Stadium.
Al Shahania vs Al Kharaitiyat
Both Al Shahaniya and Al Kharaitiyat would want to put behind the disappointment of defeat in the first round, so the match is expected to be an open encounter.
Al Kharaitiyat’s Tunisian coach Nassif Al Bayawi has already said that the 0-6 loss to Al Sadd had not affected his players’ morale. Instead, they are a motivated lot and are keen to make an impression in the QNB Stars League.
Some of their key players have recuperated from injuries and that should give Al Bayawi a cause for joy.
On the other hand, Al Shahania will be out to prove sooner rather than later they belong to the top flight.
Spaniard Jose Murcia’s men, who lost 0-3 to Al Duhail in their opener, are targeting a step-by-step improvement so that they can give their 100 per cent on the field.
Al Sadd vs Al Arabi
Al Sadd and Al Arabi are coming off victories, against Al Kharaitiyat and Al Khor respectively, as they renew their rivalry in the Qatar Derby.
The derby always evokes keen interest among all stakeholders chiefly because it involves two teams with traditionally-strong fan base in Qatar football.
On Al Sadd’s side, new recruits Gabi Fernandez and Jung Woo-Young support the likes of Xavi Hernandez, ace striker Baghdad Bounedjah, Hassan Al Haydous, Akram Afif, Ali Asad and Boualem Khoukhi.
Defender Ibrahim Majed’s return from an injury has only strengthened the side, coached by Portuguese Jesualdo Ferreira.
Al Arabi, under Croat Luka Bonacic, know holding off Al Sadd will be an uphill task, but they would be eager to continue their winning run.
Colombian Franco Arizala is their spearhead, ably supported by Brazilians Diego Jardel as well as Mailson de Farias, Iraqi Ahmed Ibrahim, Mohamed Salah El Neel, Mustafa Abdi, Fahd Khalfan, Masoud Zeraei, Ahmed Fathi and Abdullah Marafih.
