Al Wakrah face leaders Al Rayyan in a strong Week 5 match of 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday, September 29, 2023. The kick-off is at 6pm.

Both teams have been performing at very impressive levels this season and have not suffered any reversals in the first four rounds.

Al Rayyan lead the rankings with 12 points having won all their four matches so far beating Al Markhiya, Qatar SC and Al Arabi (all with the same margin of 1-0), and they defeated Al Shamal 4-3.

The Lions have scored a total of seven goals so far and conceded only three having the second-strongest defence in the competition after Al Wakrah – who are ranked fourth with eight points from two wins (over Muaither and Al Markhiya, both with a 3-0 margin) and as many draws against Al Sadd (0-0 ) and Al Shamal (2-2).

In the previous round, both Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah succeeded in achieving wins after returning from the break due to FIFA's international friendlies during which the Qatar national team played two friendly matches against Kenya and Russia.

Al Rayyan achieved victory in the key clash against Al Arabi 1-0 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al Wakrah overcame the Al Markhiya hurdle 3-0, thanks to the brilliance of a number of their players, most notably Hamdi Fathi and Jacinto Dala.

Al Wakrah regained their position in the top four following the win in the last round and the drawn result against Al Sadd in the third round. The Blue Wave will also attempt to cut Al Rayyan’s flight (who have been excelling under the leadership of Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim) and grab the three valuable points.

Coach Jardim would bank on the brilliance of his foreign professional stars, especially Rodrigo Moreno, who scored the winning goal against Al Arabi, Brazilian Roger Guedes and Moroccan Achraf Bencharki.

The task of goalkeeper Saoud Al Khater and the Al Wakrah defence will not be easy against the strong Al Rayyan attack. Likewise, the task of Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad Younis will also be difficult given the attacking line of Al Wakrah which have the firepower of players like Dala and Mohamed Benyettou, as well as a strong midfield and defence.

Given both teams’ strengths, the match is expected to produce a lot of excitement.