Al Gharafa aim to maintain QSL lead in Al Arabi clash

Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa head into their Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash against Al Arabi today in buoyant mood, with head coach Pedro Martins confident...

Doha, Qatar: Al Gharafa head into their Qatar Stars League (QSL) clash against Al Arabi today in buoyant mood, with head coach Pedro Martins confident his side can maintain their lead at the top of the table.

The league leaders are coming off a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Umm Salal, overcoming a late surge from the Orange Fortress to preserve their five-point cushion in the title race.

“Our confidence has been boosted after the win over Umm Salal,” Martins said ahead of the match at Al Thumama Stadium.

“The atmosphere is much more positive, which has helped us prepare well for the upcoming match.”

Despite their advantage, Martins stressed that complacency is not an option, with defending champions Al Sadd – on a five-match winning run – and Al Rayyan both chasing the leaders on 23 points. The Al Gharafa coach also praised Al Arabi’s progress this season.