The draw ceremony of Emir Cup Football Tournament in progress at Shangri-La Hotel in Doha. Emir Cup heads for exciting second round and the The final of the tournament will be played on May 19, the last day of the ongoing football season.
Football minnows Mesaimeer have a date with Doha giants Al Arabi in the second round of the Emir Cup, the most popular football tournament in the country.
In another second-round clash, Muaither - who have been relegated from the Qatar Stars League (QSL) - will take on Al Khor.
Newly-promoted Al Markhiya have been drawn to play Al Ahli while Al Wakrah's match against Al Shahaniya will wind up the second-round action in the Emir Cup.
In the third phase of the tournament, Al Gharafa will play the winner of Mesaimeer-Al Arabi clash while Al Sailiyah will tackle the triumphant side from the match between Muaither and Al Khor.
Umm Salal will take on the winner from the match involving Al Wakrah and Al Shahaniya.
The final of the tournament will be played on May 19, the last day of the ongoing football season.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), attended the draw ceremony that was conducted at Shangri La Hotel, Doha.
Saoud Al Mohannadi, Vice President, QFA, Mansoor Al Ansari, General Secretary, Ahmed Al Buainain, Executive Committee Member, Hani Ballan, Executive Committee Member, Ibrahim Khalil Al Mohannadi, Executive Committee Member, also attended the ceremony.
While talking to the press, QFA President predicted the 45th edition of the tournament would be a memorable event.
The Emir Cup football final will be played on May 19, the QFA President said during his speech at Shangri-La Hotel.
"The fans can expect fierce competition from the participating teams as the club players and the coaches are doing everything they can to prepare well for this popular football event," the QFA President said.
"With just one month to go in this season, the public is now turning their attention to the Emir Cup," he said.
"The teams and their players will have to up the ante and deliver strong performances to advance in this event.
"A couple of games of the Emir Cup have already been played and we know the remaining matches will also witness intense battles on the pitch," he added.
"I am sure fans will get to see surprise results as all teams are looking to win the Emir Cup," he said.
The second round action commences on April 23 while round three matches will be held on April 27 and 28, organisers said yesterday. May 3, 4 and 5 are reserved for round four action while May 13 and 14 will feature round five matches.
Al Arabi Stadium, Qatar SC Stadium, Al Sadd Stadium, Al Ahli Stadium, Al Gharafa Stadium and Lekhwiya Sports Club will host the Emir's Cup matches this year.
