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 resume 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 Shahania

Al Shahania, coached by Nabil Anwar who recently replaced Spaniard Jose Murcia, will play Al Ahli in Week 18 at the Al Sadd Stadium on 26th July, 2020. The kick-off is at 19:00.

Al Shahania are lying at the bottom of 12-team QNB Stars League table with 10 points. They have only one victory to show for their efforts, while they lost nine matches and drew seven. Their goal difference is -20, the worst by any team, having scored 17 goals and conceded 37.

Al Shahania had drawn 2-2 with Umm Salal 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 Shahania 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.

Despite the departure of Tunisian Ahmed Akaichi and his strike partner Ali Ferydoun for Al Shamal after his loan spell, the core of the squad remains the same. Al Shahania’s four overseas professionals are Dutchman Nigel de Jong, Spaniard Alvaro Mejia, Iranian Ramin Rezaein and Ivorian Kesse Amanguoa.

Coach Nabil is also counting on Qatari players, such as Saad Al Sawan, Mustafa Jalal, Saleh Al Yahri and Abdullah Khaled Al Yazidi.

Al Shahania cannot afford to drop points in the remaining five games if they are to stay in the top flight, as nearest teams in the table, Al Khor and Umm Salal both have 14 points.

Al Shahania’s other remaining matches in the QNB Stars League are against Al Sailiya (Week 19), Qatar SC (Week 20), Al Rayyan (Week 21) and Al Khor (Week 22).