Al Sadd players in action during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Former champions Al Sadd will take on Umm Salal today in a highly anticipated showdown which will mark the kick off of their Expo Stars League season at Al Bayt Stadium. The kick off is set for 8:30pm.
The stakes are high for both squads as they vie for a strong start to the season. Al Sadd, in particular, look to rekindle their passion in search of early momentum, while Umm Salal aim to kick off the campaign on a high note.
With recent recruitments and a changes in coaching staff, Umm Salal has been busy preparing for the challenge. The team is training under seasoned French coach Patrice Carteron, whose experience spans across Asia, Africa, and the region.
Key players bolstering Umm Salal's ranks include local talents Husam Kamal, Khaled Mansour, Walid Fathi, and Ali Afif, alongside an array of international professionals such as Algerian standout Andy Delort, Moroccan Oussama Tannane, and Dutchman Kenji Gorre, among others.
On the opposing side, Al Sadd, having recently thrived in the King Salman Club Cup, enters the match fortified with fresh acquisitions, including Brazilian Paulo Otavio, Iranian Mohammad Amin Hazbavi, and Colombian Mateus Uribe.
The team recently added Romain Saiss, a linchpin of the Moroccan national team, and Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata to their ranks.
Speaking ahead of the kickoff, Al Sadd coach Bruno Miguel conveyed his enthusiasm for the new season, underlining the club's cohesive system and player synergy. He voiced anticipation for the challenging opener against Umm Salal and conveyed his belief in the team's readiness to secure a victory.
“We start this week against Umm Salal and we expect a difficult match, especially since everything is new at the beginning of the season. But we will definitely be ready and our goal is to win the match," Miguel said.
Umm Salal coach Patrice Carteron expressed confidence in his squad's preparation during an overseas training camp in Turkey.
"Our preparation for the new season was done well at the overseas camp in Turkey and the team benefited from friendly matches and the good preparation which witnessed great discipline and the desire of the players to be fully prepared before the start of the season," he said.
Carteron admitted the strength of the opposition and pledged to approach the match with both vigor and respect.
Elsewhere today, Al Ahli and reigning champions Al Duhail brace for a riveting face-off in the league's inaugural round. All eyes will be on Al Thumama Stadium as the clash kicks off at 6:30 pm.
Amid high anticipation, both squads are primed for a triumphant start to the league, aiming to secure full points. As player reinforcements breathe new life into each side, the opening match promises fireworks.
Al Duhail's roster dynamics have witnessed changes among their foreign professionals, yet key figures like Kenyan Michael Olunga, Belgian Edmilson Junior, and Portuguese sensation Ruben Semedo remain. On the other hand, Al Ahli has orchestrated a youth-infused revolution, securing talents like French winger Isaac Lihadji, South Korean Kim Moon-Hwan, and Italian prodigy Ibra Bamba.
Foreign powerhouses Tunisian Naim Sliti, Ivorian Idrissa Doumbia, Colombian Danilo Arboleda, and the emerging star Jasin Amin form the formidable backbone of Al Ahli. The triumvirate of Yazan Al Naimat, Sofiane Hanni, and Sekou Oumar Yansane add continuity from the previous season.
