Al Gharafa players during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa topped the standings at the halfway stage of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) after a commanding start to the season, but a heavy loss to struggling Al Shahania in their last match brought a sudden halt to that momentum and served as a clear wake-up call for Pedro Martins’ (pictured) side.
The 3-0 defeat against the bottom-placed side last week confined Al Gharafa to eight wins and a draw from 11 matches, with Martins hoping his team can make a strong comeback as the second half of the top flight gets underway today.
Al Gharafa face a tough challenge to retain their lead in the decisive phase of the season, with second-placed Al Shamal four points behind on 21. Defending champions Al Sadd and Al Rayyan – a further point adrift – are also closing in on the leaders.
Martins, who expressed his dejection over the loss to Al Shahania, pointed to a silver lining from the shock defeat as his team prepares to take on Umm Salal at Al Khor Stadium today.
“I have sensed a positive reaction among the players during their preparations. They have shown the desire to forget what happened and restore the team’s character and response,” Martins told a press conference yesterday.
“Now the match against Umm Salal is important for us. It is going to be a difficult game because Umm Salal are doing well under coach Patrice Carteron, who has succeeded in finding the right balance.”
“I am confident the players will handle the challenge well and show sharp improvement from our previous match.”
Standing 10th with nine points, Umm Salal are aiming to stay away from the relegation zone and move up the standings. They are coming into the clash fresh from a commanding 3-0 victory over Al Ahli.
Al Rayyan players gear up for the match against Al Sailiya.
“The win was a great boost for our campaign,” Carteron said yesterday.
“Now we are aiming for a repeat of that performance against Al Gharafa, which will be a tough test for us.”
Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya eye points
In today’s second match, Al Rayyan and Al Sailiya will square off at the Grand Hamad Stadium.
Al Rayyan, who played out a 2-2 draw against Al Arabi, will be looking to keep up the pursuit of the leaders.
“The first half of the season was fantastic for us, but we must continue working hard to take the top spot. Currently, we are in the top four of the league and leading the QSL Cup and the Gulf Club Champions League,” said Al Rayan coach Artur Jorge.
“In the second half, we must try to maintain the same desire and enthusiasm to achieve even more and reach our goals for this season.”
Al Sailiya – 11th in the table with eight points – are hoping for a strong start to the second half.
Mirghani Al Zain said his team is ready for the challenge, with their sights set on collecting three valuable points.
“We need to be more focused in the second half, which is starting for us with a tough match against Al Rayyan,” said the Al Sailiya coach.
“We have some absences due to suspensions and injuries, but I am confident in the available players to get a positive result from the match,” he added.
QSL Fixtures
Today
Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa at Al Khor Stadium (5:30pm)
Al Sailiya vs Al Rayyan at Grand Hamad Stadium (7:30pm)
Tomorrow
Al Ahli vs Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium (5:30pm)
Al Wakrah vs Al Arabi at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium (7:30pm)
On Thursday
Al Shahania vs Al Duhail at Al Khor Stadium (5:30pm)
Qatar SC vs Al Sadd at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium (7:30pm)
