Despite being the promoted side in the 2018-19 season QNB Stars League, Al Shahania are giving the impression that they belong to the top flight, unlike other teams that have qualified from the Second Division.

Al Shahania did not make it that big, but have put up a consistent performance. They reaped rewards for stability as well as good morale, enthusiasm and passion of their players. In the process, they are proving wrong the notion that teams which graduated from the Second Division cannot survive in the First Division.

Al Shahania are currently ninth after 15 rounds in the QNB Stars League with 16 points. They have four wins, as many draws and seven defeats against their name. Their goal difference is -14 (14 goals for and 28 against).

Spaniard Jose Murcia’s men are somewhat safe from the danger zone, as they are ahead of Qatar SC (15 points), Al Khor (nine) and Al Kharaitiyat (three) in the standings.

So far, Al Shahania are on track to achieve their goal this season: That is to stay in the QNB Stars League. A better ranking is possible for them if they sustain the momentum.

Al Shahania also benefited from having stability as far as the coach is concerned. They retained the services of Murcia, who helped them become the Second Division champions last season. And he did not disappoint them.

On the players’ front, professionals Spaniard Alfaro Perez, Ivory Coast player Kesse Amanguoa and Omani Nader Awadh stayed with the side after they got the promotion. However, injured Nader had to replaced by Iranian Ramin Rezaeian in November.

Al Shahania managed to pull off some impressive results, like the 3-1 victory over Al Sailiya in Week 9. Their first win in this season’s league competition came against Al Kharaitiyat (1-0) in Week 2.

The QNB Stars League will resume after the Asian Cup in the UAE (5th January to 1st February) and Al Shahania must be looking to make the most of the remaining seven fixtures. They will be keen to not only retain their spot in the top tier, but also do it in style by earning a respectable position.