On Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium will host the Play-Off match between Umm Salal (11th in the 2024-2025 Ooredoo Stars League) and Al Markhiya (Second Division runners-up).

The match will determine which team will qualify for the 2025-2026 First Division league. Al Sailiya, meanwhile, had returned to the top flight as Second Division champions this season.

This match is of great importance for both teams, given their desire to advance.

Umm Salal finished 11th in the Ooredoo Stars League with 21 points.

Umm Salal, under Patrice Beaumelle, hope to capitalize on the team’s high morale following victories over Al Ahli and Al Arabi in the final rounds of the league. They will welcome back Adel Alawi after his suspension. They also have the services of foreign professionals Kenji Gorre, Marouane Loudani, Oussama Tannane and Antonio Manse. This gives the French coach plenty of options.

It may be noted that Umm Salal had played the 2011-2012 Play-Off against Muaither and won the match, with Brazilian Magno Alves scoring the all-important goal.

On the other hand, Al Markhiya, under the tutelage of Sultan Al Musaifiri, have fighting spirit and cohesion among their players despite their recent loss to Mesaimeer in the preliminary round of Amir Cup.

Al Markhiya had lost the Play-Off 1-3 to Al Shahania last season.