Umm Salal and Al Gharafa will face off in Week 18 of the 2024-2025 season Ooredoo Stars League at the Thani Bin Jassim Stadium of Al Gharafa club on Friday, March 7, 2025. The kick-off is at 9.30pm.

Both teams approach the match with a shared ambition to secure victory, aiming to enhance their standings.

Umm Salal currently sit in 11th place with 15 points, following a recent 2-2 draw against Qatar SC. In contrast, Al Gharafa, having suffered a significant 0-4 defeat to Al Sadd, are eager to return to winning ways to maintain their competitive edge, holding third place with 34 points.

Al Gharafa are determined to clinch a win to stay in contention and pursue league leaders Al Duhail and Al Sadd, particularly as the point difference is minimal, fuelling their motivation for success.

Coaches Patrice Beaumelle of Umm Salal and Pedro Martins of Al Gharafa are both intent on securing the three points, each possessing considerable knowledge of the other’s strategies, which heightens the anticipation surrounding the match.

Notably, Umm Salal defender Marouane Louadni and Seydou Sano of Al Gharafa will miss the match due to red cards received in the previous round.

Encounters between Umm Salal and Al Gharafa are consistently thrilling and fiercely contested, underscoring the significance of this match-up.

A victory would provide Umm Salal with a crucial opportunity to distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Al Gharafa aim to regain their footing.