Newly formed Al Duhail will be looking to win their first ever competitive game under the guidance of head coach Djamel Belmadi. The clubhas been created after the merger of El Jaish and Lekheiya, with the majority of the side coming from the Lekhwiya team that lifted the title last season. Ahead of the match against Qatar SC the Algerian boss gave his thoughts on the game to the local media 

“I am expecting an interesting game against Qatar SC because they have been promoted and I don’t have too much information on the side. I feel that they have a good coach and will do well in the league this season” noted Belmadi when asked about his Friday evening opponents. 

The newly formed side are one of the favourites for the QNB Stars League title, considering the majority of the squad is make up from Lekhwiya, last seasons champions. Despite this Belmadi insists that his side is not under pressure. “The squad has only been improved with the signings in the summer. I now have to manage these expectations over the season, my aim is to always win and I feel we can achive somthing with this side.” 

Duhail winger Ali Afif added that he believes that his side can make a title challenge this season. “We are a confident group of players and have been together for a number of years. We must start well, and take the season game by game.”

As for Qatar SC, they are retuning to the QNB Stars League after spending last season in the second division. New Kings coach Gabriel Calderón spoke to the press ahead of the game. 

Opening up the press conference Calderón revealed his excitement to be getting the league campaign underway. “I am happy to be coaching in the QNB Stars League. We have had a good two months of preseason and the team is prepared. It will be a real challenge against the former champions but confidence is high and moral is good in my team.” 

“We will have to start at a high tempo and impose our game on our opponent. This will be tough against Duhail, but I feel that is we do this we have every chance of causing an upset” added the experience Argentinian coach on the prospect of surprising Al Duhail. 

Qatar SC player Mohammed Omar ended the press conference noting that the side is in good spirits heading into the first match of the season. “We are working well as a team in training, the coach has lifted our confidence levels. We feel that we can do well this season in the league.”