Local bragging rights on the line between Ahli and Al Arabi

Two local rivals will lock horns in the QSL spotlight match for round 17 when Al Ahli takes on Al Arabi on Saturday evening. Both sides are separate by just two points in the standings, and will be targeting a further three points to pull away from the relegation zone.

Al Ahli head into the derby on a high following a big 2-0 win over Al Wakrah last time out. January signing Ali Ferydoon was the hero for the Brigadiers having a say in both of the goals. The on loan Al Shamal star has been brought in to cover for the absence of leading scorer Firmin Mubele who is currently at the 2017 AFCON tournament with his country, DR Congo.

Following the win, the pressure has lifted on Ahli coach Yusef Adam who registered only his second win since taking over three games into the season. The Qatari tactician will be eager to register back to back wins for the first time this season for his side.

Adam will be hoping that January signing Ahmed Maqsoud will be available for selection in this crunch derby match. Maqsoud is no stranger to the Al Arabi set-up having spent the first half on loan at the dream team. The Qatar international’s tackling skills will be needed to halt an Arabi side that tends to quickly counter attack.

Whilst for Al Arabi, they head into Saturdays game on the up following a 2-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat. The Dream Team dominated the majority of the match, and goals from Wagner Ribero and club captain Boualem Khoukhi sealed their six win of the season.

It’s been a frustrating stop-start season for Arabi this term, which have been blighted by a host of problems behind the scenes. Hopefully one of the QSL’s best supported sides have turned a corner, and will be aiming to avenge the 2-1 loss that they suffered at the hands of Al Ahli during the first half of the season.

Left back Mohammed Jumma have been one of the sides most consistent players this term, and the former Al Rayyan man will be targeting a big performance against Ahli next time out. Jumma has proved to be important in attack for Al Arabi this season, linking well with striker Imoh Ezekiel his pace could be key in securing a major win for Arabi against their major rivals.

Certainly promises to be a match of interest when Al Ahli takes on bitter local rivals Al Arabi in the QSL spotlight match for round 17. You can pick up tickets for the game from here.