A busy schedule of senior international fixtures has taken over with the Qatar Stars League (QSL) taking a backseat (13 day league break).Last Thursday night a team made up of QSL players took on China’s best for the National Team of Qatar and came away with an important 1-0 win (goal scored by Kareem Boudiaf in the 22nd minute).
Qatar has had a perfect record in the first half of their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign for Russia. They have won all four matches and currently sit top of Group C.
Today the QSL’s top players take on the Maldives at the Jassim bin Hamad stadium at 18:30 (Al Sadd Stadium).
Qatar look poised to gain an automatic qualification to Round 3 by finishing top of their group if they can continue in this rich vein of form. However the QSL players who are involved, will be wary of the fact that the last time they met the Maldives, Qatar just managed to win deep into extra time with a 98th minute goal by Ahmed El Sayed.
In form QSL players
Hassan Al Haydous
Al Sadd’s Hassan Al Haydous has caught the eye on the right wing. In the four Rounds of QSL action, the Qatari has scored once this season but more than his goals, he has caused trouble against any defence he has faced with his overall play and assists. He will surely play a big part for the Maroons tonight.
Ahmad Yasser
The young defender has been very dependable at the back for Lekhwiya. This season Yasser has cemented his place in the team and in the first four Rounds of the QSL; he has only conceded one goal so far. The National Team can most certainly count on this young defender who possesses an ice cool demeanour and good reading of the game.
Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan
After making his debut for Al-Sadd as a 17-year-old in 2004, Khalfan has become one of his nation's most celebrated players.
However, Khalfan has not featured much in the league this season due to an abdominal injury which required surgery just before the start of this year’s campaign. In the last two Rounds the Qatari has made some appearances for Sadd and looks to slowly be getting back to his best.
Khalfan will most likely not start tonight but may come on if needed and should finally be match fit. The former Asian player of the year is always a threat and could prove to be the difference if the match becomes a tight affair.
Boualem Khoukhi
Perhaps the most versatile player in the QSL, Boualem Khoukhi plays his club football for Al Arabi who are now under the stewardship of the legendary Gianfranco Zola. The Qatari attacking midfielder has been deployed in many different positions and has done well. Khoukhi has penchant for scoring spectacular free-kicks and important goals.
In the past three Rounds he has played mainly at the back for Al Arabi as a central defender but is best utilized as a number 10.
Al Arabi’s jack of all trades could prove useful in case of injuries but is a quality player in his own right.
Be sure to check out these and more QSL players tonight at Al Sadd stadium (18:30 kick off).
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