The stage is all set for the fifth and final round of QSL Cup group matches, to be played on Monday (Group A) and Tuesday (Group B).

Most teams had started their preparations after the conclusion of their QNB Stars League Week 11 engagements, held on Thursday and Friday.

Group A matches will be held on 11th December and Group B the following day. Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan had already qualified for the semifinals from Group A and B respectively.

Al Duhail, Qatar SC, Al Khor, Al Kharaitiyat and Al Sailiya are the other teams in Group A, while Group B also comprises Al Sadd, Al Markhiya, Umm Salal, Al Arabi and Al Ahli. 

Al Gharafa made the cut with 10 points (three victories and a draw), while Al Rayyan reached the last-four stage with an all-win record.

The match-up between Al Kharaitiyat (eight points) and Qatar SC (five) will determine the second team to go through from Group A.

Al Duhail and Al Khor (four points each), and Al Sailiya, with just one point, are already out of contention.

It will be Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa and Al Khor vs Al Duhail in other fixtures in the group which will be more of academic interest.

When it comes to Group B, the race for the second semifinal berth is wide open as four teams — Al Arabi, Umm Salal, Al Markhiya and Al Ahli — are on five points, while Al Sadd are out of the reckoning after failing to open their account.

Umm Salal will face Al Markhiya challenge and Al Arabi run into Al Rayyan. Al Ahli too have much at stake when they take on Al Sadd.

The first four rounds of the tournament were played when the QNB Stars League was stopped during two international breaks.  

Al Duhail and Al Sadd, the leading duo in the league, faltered in the QSL Cup. As far as Al Rayyan, the third-placed side, are concerned, they took all matches seriously and fielded almost a full-strength side.

The tournament seems to be serving its purpose because it is imperative that young players get as much playing time as possible, thereby providing their clubs and the Qatar national team with a wider player pool to choose from, especially since the country is gearing up to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

All games will kick off simultaneously at 17:10.

Round 5 fixtures

Group A (11th December)

Al Kharaitiyat vs Qatar SC, Al Khor Stadium, 17:10

Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa, Al Shamal Stadium, 17:10

Al Khor vs Al Duhail, Al Arabi Stadium, 17:10

Group B (12th December)

Umm Salal vs Al Markhiya, Al Arabi Stadium, 17:10

Al Arabi vs Al Rayyan, Qatar SC Stadium, 17:10

Al Ahli vs Al Sadd, Al Shamal Stadium, 17:10