The stage is all set for the 2018-19 Ooredoo Cup Round 3 fixtures, to be held on Friday, 22nd November (three matches in Group B), and Saturday, 23rd November (three matches in Group A).

The fixtures are Al Khor vs Al Gharafa (16:00) at Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Sailiya vs Al Duhail (16:00) at Al Ahli Stadium and Qatar SC vs Al Arabi (18:10) at Al Ahli Stadium on Friday (Group B), Al Shahania vs Al Wakrah (16:00) at Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Ahli vs Al Sadd (18:10) at Al Ahli Stadium and Umm Salal vs Al Rayyan (18:10) at Al Khor Stadium on Saturday (Group A).

Al Rayyan and Qatar SC are leading Group A and B respectively with six points each.

Al Rayyan are followed by Al Wakrah (four points), Al Ahli (three points), Al Sadd (three points), Umm Salal (one point) and Al Shahania (no point) in Group A.

Al Ahli and Al Sadd both have same number of points, but the former are placed higher on better goal difference (-1 as against Al Sadd’s -2).

Al Khor (four points) are second in Group B, followed by Al Arabi (four points), Al Gharafa (one point) Al Duhail (one point) and Al Sailiya (no point).

Al Khor and Al Arabi are also on same number of points, but the former occupy the second position on better goal difference (+7 compared to Al Arabi’s +1).

Similarly, Al Gharafa and Al Duhail are level on points. However, reigning champions Al Gharafa are placed above Al Duhail by virtue of having better goal difference (-3 as against Al Duhail’s -7).

In Round 2 Group A action on 15th November, Al Wakrah played out a goalless draw with Umm Salal, Al Rayyan defeated Al Ahli 4-1 and Al Sadd beat Al Shahania 3-1.

In Round 2 Group B action on 16th November, Al Gharafa lost 0-3 to Qatar SC, Al Arabi beat Al Sailiya 2-1 and Al Duhail lost 0-7 to Al Khor.

The Ooredoo Cup, formerly QSL Cup, provides younger players with more playing time and exposure. The tournament, which has a group-cum-knockout format, offers new opportunities for sponsors, partners and supporters to highlight their brands.

The top four sides from each group will progress to the knockout quarterfinals.