Al Rayyan eye win in opener as QSL Cup gets underway

Doha: Al Rayyan will look to return to winning ways as they meet Al Shahania in the opening match of the QSL Cup today. The Lions, led by Swedish c...

Doha: Al Rayyan will look to return to winning ways as they meet Al Shahania in the opening match of the QSL Cup today.

The Lions, led by Swedish coach Poya Asbaghi, will be desperate to claim full points at the Grand Hamad Stadium for a strong start in the tournament after they suffered back-to-back defeats in the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL).

They started the season on a high note beating Umm Salal in their first match of the top flight but losses to Al Duhail and Al Gharafa derailed their progress sending them to eighth spot. 

Al Rayyan will be without Abdulaziz Hatem called in Qatar squad for upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying games against the UAE and North Korea, while Al Shahania are expected to field a full strength side.     

Alvaro Mejia-coached Al Shahania are yet to score a win this season as they are languishing at 11th spot in the OSL with two draws and a loss.