Gharafa and Rayyan set for Saturday clashAl Gharafa will take on the reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan in the QSL match of the week for round nine. Both sides are on undefeated streaks this season, and are only separated by two points in the QSL standings.
As for the hosts Al Gharafa they are undefeated in six QSL games, and are on a run of three straight victories in the league. Charismatic head coach Pedro Caixina has been happy with the squad’s spirit in recent weeks insisting that their slow start is well and truly behind them. Gharafa needed an 88th minute penalty from Mohammed Razak to secure a 2-1 victory over a resolute Al Khor side.
Al Gharafa is likely to have few chances against the most miserly defence in the Qatar Stars League in Al Rayyan. That’s why striker Krisztián Németh will have to be at his best if Al Gharafa is to pull off an upset. The Hungarian international is in a rich vein of form at the moment, picking up three goals in his last four league games. Al Gharafa fans will be hoping that the former Sporting Kansas City man can find the back of the net for his side.
Whilst for Al Rayyan, they have yet to taste defeat this season and have been quietly going about their business of retaining their QSL falcon shield under new coach Michael Laudrup. Last time out they edged out newly promoted Muaither 1-0 thanks to a second half strike from captain Rodrigo Tabata.
Laudrup’s appointment as Al Rayyan head coach has certainly curbed the Lions attacking traits in the games against tougher opposition. In both match ups against title rivals El Jaish and Lekhwiya, Al Rayyan preferred to be pragmatic, electing to take teams on the counter attack. Laudrup may take a similar stance against an Al Gharafa side that boasts one of the most enviable attacks in the QSL.
As ever, Captain Rodrigo Tabata is enjoying a solid season in front of goal for Rayyan. The Qatar international has four goals in the last three QSL games, and the veteran attacker will be expected to lead his side to victory on Saturday evening.
Saturday’s match up between two in form sides in Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan is poised to be a potential match of the season contender; you can pick up tickets for the game online here.
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