Al Duhail players during a training session to prepare for the game against Al Ahli.
Doha, Qatar: The highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Al Duhail and Al Ahli is set to steal the spotlight as the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) resumes tomorrow, featuring thrilling battles in the seventh round.
The premier Qatari clubs are back to contest for valuable points after a nearly three-week hiatus due to the international break.
The sixth round wrapped up in exhilarating fashion, with leaders Al Duhail—boasting 15 points from six matches—suffering a stunning upset at the hands of promoted side Al Shahania, which ended their impressive five-match winning streak.
In contrast, Al Ahli closed the gap on Al Duhail to just one point following a victory over Al Shamal.
These results have intensified the race for the top spot, adding even more spice to Saturday’s crunch tie at Al Thumama Stadium.
Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan (right) and midfielder Idrissa Doumbia pose for a picture ahead of press conference yesterday.
Following the unexpected defeat, Christophe Galtier will be eager to steer Al Duhail back to winning ways, while coach Igor Biscan hopes to see Al Ahli secure a full three points in the crucial matchup. The Brigadiers remain the only unbeaten team in the league this season, having won four matches and drawn two.
“It’s a new challenge for us in the league. Al Duhail are leading the standings and they are a great side. It will be a tough match but I am confident of Al Ahli’s potential to do well in the match,” Biscan said yesterday.
“We have been preparing well and we will be ready for the match which we aim to win and take the top spot” he added.
Al Ahli’s Ivorian midfielder Idrissa Doumbia said: “Al Duhail have best defence and strongest attack but as players we are well prepared. We will make all out effort to secure the win.”
Meanwhile, third-placed Al Wakrah, with 11 points, are keen to keep the pressure on the Red Knights as they face 11th-placed Qatar SC at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Saturday. Additionally, Al Shamal and Al Arabi, both level on seven points, will square off at Al Khor Stadium.
The seventh round kicks off with struggling Al Rayyan meeting bottom-placed Al Khor at Al Khor Stadium tomorrow.
Both teams are eager to bounce back after disappointing defeats in their previous matches.
Al Rayyan, who started their title chase on a bright note, now find themselves ninth in the rankings with only six points to show for their efforts after a string of lackluster performances. Meanwhile, Al Khor, with three points from three drawn games, will be aiming for their first victory of the season in front of their home fans.
Defending champions Al Sadd, currently sitting fifth with nine points, will look to extend their winning streak after a 4-2 triumph over Al Gharafa in the last round.
They are set to host Al Shahania, who are 10th with five points, at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s other fixture will see Umm Salal take on Al Gharafa at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium.
The Orange Fortress have been impressive, claiming 10 points to position themselves fourth in the table, while Al Gharafa have endured a rollercoaster season, with two wins, two draws, and two losses, leaving them sixth with eight points.
OSL Round 7 Fixtures
Tomorrow
5:30pm
Al Khor vs Al Rayyan at Al Khor Stadium
7:30pm
Al Sadd vs Al Shahania at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium
7:30pm
Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium
On Saturday
5:30pm
Al Shamal vs Al Arabi at Al Khor Stadium
7:30pm
Qatar SC vs Al Wakrah at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium
7:30pm
Al Ahli vs Al Duhail at Al Thumama Stadium
