Al Rayyan, Al Ahli eye strong QSL starts

Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan launch their 2025 26 Qatar Stars League (QSL) campaign today with a clash against newly promoted Al Sailiya, aiming to end a ne...

Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan launch their 2025-26 Qatar Stars League (QSL) campaign today with a clash against newly promoted Al Sailiya, aiming to end a near decade-long title drought and reclaim their place among the league’s elite.

The eight-time champions last lifted the league trophy in 2015–16. Though they started strongly last season, inconsistency saw them finish fifth. Determined to do better, Al Rayyan held a 21-day pre-season camp in Spain under Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, playing several friendlies to fine-tune their tactics.

“Everyone is ready for the opener, and our goal is clear – to secure three points and start strong,” said Jorge. 

“The friendlies helped us prepare well and now we must deliver in the league. We’ll give 100% this season and aim to make the fans proud.”

Al Rayyan were active in the transfer window, welcoming back Qatari forward Ahmed Alaaeldin from Al Arabi and reinforcing their defense with Bahaa Ellethy (from Al Ahli) and young talent Abdullah Yousef.