Al Gharafa are eyeing maximum points as they meet Al Ahli in Round 13 of the QNB Stars League (QSL), today.
Both teams are coming off victories, Al Gharafa defeating Al Shamal 3-2 and Al Ahli putting it across Qatar SC 1-0.
Al Gharafa, coached by Andrea Stramaccioni, jumped to third from fourth in the table with 22 points (seven wins, one draw and four defeats) following their victory in the last round and Al Arabi’s 1-2 loss to Al Wakrah that saw them slip from third to fourth place. Al Ahli are placed ninth with 12 points (two victories, six draws and four defeats).
Stramaccioni stayed pos-itive ahead of the crucial match.
“For me as a coach, regardless of the result, our team played in the same way, this means that we have our own philosophy, and what matters to us is to build a certain thing for the team, and regardless of the names of the players, Al Gharafa will still have their own style.
Because we will play the third match in a row in nine days and Al Gharafa depend on the same players,” he said.“In light of playing every three days and in modern football, recovery has become as important as training, and therefore if we make a mistake in dealing with this aspect, it will certainly affect the match, and therefore it is important to work on the mental and physical sides and for the recovery to be ideal,” Al Gharafa coach added.
Al Gharafa player Abdullah Khatm said: “Thank God, we won over Al Shamal and it was a difficult match. Facing Al Ahli is also important for us in order to win and improve our position.
“Al Ahli will strive to win, and we will also strive to win, and it will be a difficult confron-tation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nebojsa Jovovic said today’s match is crucial for his side as he hoped for a good show from his ranks. “The match is of great importance for Al Ahli after our recent uprising and we are keen to be on the winning path. It is necessary for my team to continue competing and col-lecting points. The season is entering an important stage and we must be ready,” Al Ahli coach said.
“The recent victory against Qatar SC will gave our team a good morale boost in order to provide the best, especially since we suffered in the past period."Al Sadd, Qatar SC match postponedThe Competitions Com-mittee of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) decided to postpone the match between Al Sadd and Qatar SC, which was scheduled to be held at the Qatar SC Stadium, today.
Al Sadd requested the postponement as a number of their players were infected with the coro-navirus resulting in a lack of adequate number of players for the match.The decision was taken in accordance with the circular issued by the QFA regarding the procedures for requesting the postponement of matches.
The revised date for the match will be set later.Al Gharafa players during a training session ahead of Al Ahli tie.
