Al Rayyan and Al Duhail will meet in the third round (Group A) of the 2024-2025 season QSL Cup at the Grand Hamad Stadium of Al Arabi club on Friday, October 4, 2024. The kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The upcoming match holds significant importance for both teams as it will determine the outright leaders of the group, with each team currently tied at six points from two victories. However, Al Rayyan hold an advantage due to a superior goal difference.

In their first match, Al Rayyan secured a 1-0 win against Al Shahania, followed by a decisive 3-0 victory over Al Arabi in the second round.

Al Duhail, on the other hand, won 2-1 against Qatar SC in their first match and defeated Al Ahli 2-0 in the second round.

Group A also features Al Arabi, Qatar SC, Al Shahania and Al Ahli.

The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals and all teams in the group appear to have a viable chance of advancing to the next stage.

Al Duhail experienced their first league defeat of the season in the sixth week against Al Shahania, prompting their French coach Christophe Galtier to focus on QSL Cup matches as a means of preparing the team for their return to league play, aiming to maintain their lead and avoid further setbacks.

Meanwhile, Al Rayyan are returning to domestic competitions after their recent away encounter with Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia in the second round of AFC Champions League Elite, which ended in a 1-2 loss.

Coach Younes Ali is optimistic about the team’s prospects of securing a victory over Al Duhail and continuing their progress in this tournament.