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 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.

Facing them at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Sailiya return to the top flight after winning the Second Division crown. Coach Mirghani Al Zain has added international firepower, including Norwegian Mathias Normann, Dutchman Kylian van der Vaart, Tunisian Youssef Snana and Argentine defender Matias Nani.

“Our preparations were strong,” said Al Zain.“We face an experienced side in Al Rayyan, but we aim to put in a performance worthy of the club and show we can compete at this level.”

Later tonight, Al Ahli face Al Shamal at Khalifa International Stadium in the day's second fixture. Al Ahli, under Croatian coach Igor Biscan, will look to build on last season's impressive fourth-place finish.

“Last season is in the past. We must focus on starting well again,” said Biscan.

“We trained hard in the Netherlands, and the players are focused and ready.”

Al Ahli's new-look squad includes Ibrahima Diallo (France), Michel Vlap (Netherlands), Zinedine Sassi (Tunisia) and Ayoub Amraoui (Morocco), joining established names like Julian Draxler, Driss Fettouhi, Matej Mitrovic and Erik Exposito.

Al Shamal, coached by David Prats, will be no pushovers. Boosted by Baghdad Bounedjah and new signings Akram Tawfiq, Alex Collado and Algerian Abdessamad Bounacer, they are aiming to hit the ground running after finishing sixth in the last season.

Al Arabi take on Al Wakrah in what promises to be a closely fought contest while tomorrow's second game features Al Gharafa against Umm Salal.

Defending champions Al Sadd and title contenders Al Duhail will both be in action on Saturday, rounding off an opening round of the new QSL season.

QSL ROUND 1 FIXTURES

Today
Al Rayyan vs Al Sailiya at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Shamal vs Al Ahli at Khalifa International Stadium (8:30pm)

Tomorrow
Al Arabi vs Al Wakrah at Al Thumama Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Gharafa vs Umm Salal at Al Bayt Stadium (8:30pm)

On Saturday
Al Duhail vs Al Shahania at Khalifa International Stadium (6:30pm)
Al Sadd vs Qatar SC at Jassim BIn Hamad Stadium (8:30pm)

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