Al Shahania face a daunting task against Al Rayyan in Week 18 of the QNB Stars League on Wednesday, 27th February. The kick-off is at 20:10 at the Al Arabi Stadium.
Both Al Rayyan and Al Shahania lost in the last round, to Al Sadd and Al Arabi respectively, so they will be keen to win. More so for Al Rayyan, who are fourth with 30 points (eight wins, six draws and three defeats), as Al Ahli are breathing down their neck with one point less.
So Al Rayyan will not want any slip-up in their pursuit of a top-four finish. Their goal difference is +6 (25 goals for and 19 against).
Captain Rodrigo Tabata and Mohammed Juma will return to the Al Rayyan fold after their suspensions. Midfielder Tabata had missed Al Rayyan’s games against Al Arabi and Al Sadd in Week 16 and 17 respectively as he was serving the suspension handed by the Qatar Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for his behaviour against Al Kharaitiyat in the QSL Cup.
Left-back Mohammed Juma had missed the Qatar Clasico against Al Sadd due to suspension for the fourth yellow card he received during the match against Al Arabi.
Al Rayyan have also been missing the services of goalkeeper Omar Barri and medio Daniel Goumou.
Al Rayyan mainly depend on Venezuelan striker Gelmin Rivas, Brazilian forward Lucca Borges and Khalfan Ibrahim besides the return of Tabata.
However, The Lions will sorely miss Sebastian Soria, who was red-carded during their Qatar Clasico loss to Al Sadd.
On the other hand, Luciano Vazquez, Yousef Hani and Kessey Amanguoa lead the charge of Al Shahania, who occupy the ninth position with 17 points. Their goal difference is -15 (15 goals for and 30 against).
Source: qsl.qa