Al Shamal coach David Prats speaks during a press conference.
Doha: Al Shamal and Al Shahania will square off at Al Bayt Stadium today (kick-off 9pm) in a crucial Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) tie as both teams aim for a place among the top four in the standings.
The two teams are level on 23 points, with Al Shamal sitting sixth in the standings on goal difference while Al Shahania trailing in seventh.
Al Shamal are currently enjoying a decent campaign, having registered seven wins and two draws but have suffered nine losses so far. They sit just four points behind fifth-placed Al Rayyan and six behind fourth-placed Al Ahli. A win could boost their top-four hopes - a feat that would cap off their remarkable season.
Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia (centre) speaks during the press conference.
During a pre-match press conference, Al Shamal coach David Prats said his team is eying full points in today’s fixture.
“Al Shamal are a great team with top-level players who are determined and highly capable. Therefore, we are looking forward to winning and collecting the three points to secure the best possible position at the end of the league,” Prats said.
“We will face a great team with top-level players guided by a very distinguished coach. Al Shahania play exceptional football, have put in good performances and have achieved good results this season. Therefore, it is essential that we are well prepared,” Prats said.
Al Shamal players during a training session.
Spearheading their attack is the leading scorer Baghdad Bounedjah. The Algerian star will be ably supported by Tunisian Naim Sliti and promising youngster Mohammed Omar.
Al Shahania will also strive for the best result. A victory today would not only lift them above Al Shamal, but also give them a comfortable lead over chasing sides such as Al Arabi, Al Wakrah, and Qatar SC.
Al Shahania coach Jose Murcia highlighted the match’s importance, saying his team is well prepared for the clash.
“We took advantage of the long break to prepare for this important match against Al Shamal,” Murcia said.
“It will be a direct game between two teams with similar positions and goals. This is the most important match of the season. The players are ready, and I have great confidence in them.”
Murcia will miss the services of Muniesa, Francesco and Ali Al Amri due to various reasons, but will see the return of several international players.
In the other fixture of the day, struggling Al Khor will face Umm Salal in a bottom-of-the-table clash at Al Khor Stadium. The kick-off is at 9pm.
Al Khor occupy the last position with seven points, while Umm Salal are just above them in 11th place with 15 points.
