The wait is finally over, after a seemingly endless summer the QSL kicks back into action on Thursday evening with two matches involving sides looking into the Qatar Cup places this season.

First up is the QSL match of the week for round 1 when Al Ahli take on Al Gharafa, KO 18:00pm at Al Ahli stadium.

The hosts enjoyed a fine run of form towards the back end of the season eventually finishing in sixth place. In the close season, Ahli changed its management brining in experienced coach Luka Bonačić to lead the side. The Croatian boasts an impressive CV particularly in the gulf, and will be charged to push the Brigadeers on this term.

As for Al Gharafa, they enjoyed a fruitful preseason under head coach Pedro Caixina. The Portuguese coach stressed the importance of imparting his footballing philosophy on his side over the close season, in an exclusive interview with QSL online. Caixina will be hoping his side can hit the ground running, as Gharafa aim to push into the top four this term.

The second match of the evening will also take place at Al Ahli stadium and will see Al Sailiya face off against Al Arabi, KO at 20:10pm.  For Al Sailiya they have had a quiet summer, with Cameroonian striker Paul Efoulou the signing of note.  Al Sailiya’s management will be hoping that stability in both the playing and coaching staff will lead to a push into the top four places.

As for Al Arabi, they have had a frantic summer brining in a host of local and international stars as well as welcoming new head coach Gerardo Pelusso to the side. The likes of Mustafa Sall and Mohammed Jumma bring much needed defensive stability to The Dream Team, who was guilty of leaking goals last season.

 Al Arabi have been without a league title since 1997, could this be the year that they realise their potential and push for the title?

You can buy your tickets for Thursdays QSL action here.