Clubs are continuing their preparations ahead of the resumption of 2019-20 QNB Stars League, with Week 18 matches starting on 24th July. The tournament, which had a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will restart as per the general plan and protocol for the remaining five rounds. Teams are fighting to occupy the top positions, improve their rankings and avoid the ignominy of relegation.

The Qatar Stars League (QSL) website highlights each team and their preparations ahead of the resumption of competitions.

Al Ahli

Al Ahli are gearing up for the remainder of the season under Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic, who took over The Brigadiers in December, 2019, and whose contract with the club has now been extended for another season. They will play bottom side Al Shahania in Week 18 at the Al Sadd Stadium on 26th July, 2020. The kick-off is at 19:00.

Al Ahli are eighth in the QNB Stars League standings with 19 points, the same as Al Wakrah but behind on goal difference. Nebojsa’s wards have recorded five wins, four draws and eight defeats, and their goal difference is -7, having scored 22 goals and conceded 29.

Al Ahli had played out a 2-2 draw with Qatar SC in Week 17 on 6th March before the long break.

Following their first coronavirus test, held as per the protocol developed by the QSL in co-ordination with club authorities and approved by the Ministry of Public Health, Al Ahli squad members entered their team hotel and got engaged in training.

After their second coronavirus test, the players as well as technical and administrative staff signed a pledge to abide by the protocol for leaving team hotel for home quarantine.

The Al Ahli ranks are complete, with Moroccan Nabil El Zhar, Senegalese Mohamed Diame, Australian Shane Lowry, Majed Mohammed, Ali Qaderi, Mohsen Al Yazidi and Jassim Mohammed being their mainstays.

Only Baro Siddiqui, who recently underwent a surgery, will be missing in action.

Besides intense training, Al Ahli are readying for the resumption of action by playing friendlies. They played out a 2-2 draw with Al Gharafa in one such game recently.

Al Ahli’s other remaining matches in the QNB Stars League are against Al Sadd (Week 19), Umm Salal (Week 20), Al Wakrah (Week 21) and Al Duhail (Week 22).