Al Rayyan face Al Gharafa in a strong Round 2 clash (Group B) of 2023-2024 season Ooredoo Cup at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium of Qatar Sports Club on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The kick-off is at 8pm.

Al Gharafa had to tie their thrilling first-round game 3-3 with Al Markhiya after leading 3-0 at half-time. The Cheetahs will aim to make a strong comeback and score their first win of the tournament.

Al Duhail and Al Shamal are the other teams in the group.

In contrast, Al Rayyan are playing their first match in the tournament, and will also look to make a winning start and collect three points.

The match is an opportunity for coaches, Pedro Martins of Al Gharafa and Leonardo Jardim of Al Rayyan, to prepare the players during the break in Expo Stars League, especially as both teams are looking forward to competing for the title.

Al Gharafa lost 0-4 to Al Sadd, while Al Rayyan went down 2-3 to Al Wakrah in the league's previous round and hence Ooredoo Cup is an important opportunity for them to correct their mistakes.

In the last match against Al Markhiya, Al Gharafa coach Martins relied on a number of players who had not played initially in the league, such as goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar. In the second half, he brought in Nasser Al Ahrak, Othman Al Yahri, Ayoub Al Alawi, Jassim Fahad Al Zaraa and Dame Traore, while foreign professionals Ferjani Sassi and Farid Boulaya played. Lyanco and Yacine Brahimi played from the start.

On the other hand, Al Rayyan coach Jardim hopes the tournament will be an opportunity to discover new players who can strengthen the team’s ranks and be essential pillars in the long season, which needs a strong bench if they are to compete for all titles.