Al Gharafa's Joselu (right) in action with a teammate during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa will have their winning streak in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) under threat as they face defending champions Al Sadd in an anticipated third round match tomorrow.
The Pedro Martins’ men are tied on points with Al Shamal and Qatar SC – the only three sides to win both their matches in the eventful opening rounds of the top-flight.
Al Gharafa opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Umm Salal before edging Al Arabi 2-1 in their previous fixture. But, Martins must be aware that tomorrow’s clash at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium will be his team’s first biggest test in the new season as Al Gharafa are aiming for the title after a third finish in the last season.
Al Gharafa have shown good performance so far with their stars Yacine Brahimi, Ferjani Sassi and Joselu making notable contributions.
But Al Sadd, who bounced back late in the league last season to clinch the Falcon Shield, pose a sterner challenge. The Felix Sanchez-coached side fell to Qatar SC in their opener but they showcased their prowess in a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli.
Despite losing Brazilian star Claudinho, who will be out of action for 8 to 12 weeks due to injury, Al Sadd have enough arsenal having the likes of Roberto Firmino, Rafael Mujica, Akram Afif and Giovani Henrique in their ranks.
Meanwhile, the third round will kick off with another exciting clash between Al Duhail and Al Rayyan tomorrow. Eyeing title this season, both Al Duhail and Al Rayyan didn’t get off to a desirable start to their campaigns.
Last year’s runners-up Al Duhail slumped to ninth on the points table having earned just a point from a draw against Al Shahania in their opener.
They will look for first win under coach Djamel Belmadi after being edged by Al Wakrah in the last round. Artur Jorge’s Al Rayyan, who started with a win over Al Sailiya, will also look to return to winning ways after losing to Al Shamal.
Al Shamal are also set to be in the spotlight during the third round after taking a surprise lead with two straight wins including their opening victory over Al Ahli. They will be in action against Al Sailiya on Saturday looking to maintain their top spot.
Marquez Lopez’s Qatar SC will also target their third win the same day when they face Al Ahli, who are on the bottom after back-to-back defeats.
Friday’s matches include a tie between Al Arabi and Umm Salal with Al Shahania and Al Wakrah squaring off in the day’s second match.
Tuta undergoes surgery
Al Duhail SC yesterday announced that Tuta underwent a successful surgery at Aspetar Hospital after suffering a knee injury.
The club explained in a statement that the player is scheduled to begin his treatment and rehabilitation program in the coming period until he returns to the field again, without revealing the length of his absence.
Al Duhail signed the Brazilian, who plays as a central defender, during the current summer transfer window, coming from German club Eintracht Frankfurt.
QSL ROUND 3 FIXTURES
Tomorrow
Al Rayyan vs Al Duhail at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)
On Friday
Al Arabi vs Umm Salal at Al Thumama Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Shahania vs Al Wakrah at Khalifa International Stadium (8:30pm)
On Saturday
Al Sailiya vs Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium (6:30pm)
Qatar SC vs Al Ahli at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)
