Sports
Al Gharafa Face Crucial Test Against Al Qadsiah in AFC Champions League
Al Gharafa will host Al Qadsiah in an AFC Champions League Elite match at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium on Monday. The Qatar club has yet to earn a point in the competition, while the Saudi side is aiming to secure a place in the Round of 16. Al Gharafa lost 2-1 to two‑time defending champions Al Ahli last week, extending their longest losing streak in continental play. Coach Pedro Martins said the team must recover after three consecutive defeats and noted they have had insufficient preparation time for the upcoming game.
"Al Qadisiyah is a strong team that has shown improved performances in recent matches and has high‑calibre players," Martins said. "We need to stay focused and avoid the mistakes we made in previous games, especially the red cards given to Ismail Bennacer against Al Hilal and Seydou Sano against Al Ahli." He added that the positive atmosphere after Al Gharafa’s win over Qatar SC in the eighth round of the Qatar Stars League could help the team perform well against Al Qadsiah.
Al Gharafa had performed well in their three previous continental matches, though they had not won. Martins said the upcoming match would differ from games against Al Hilal and Al Ahli because each team has a distinct style. A fourth defeat would likely end their hopes, so the club must use its home advantage to revive its campaign.
Al Qadsiah remain unbeaten after three matches. Head coach Brendan Rodgers is confident his side will progress. A win on Monday would give Al Qadsiah eight points and put Al Gharafa on the ropes. Rodgers expects his players to perform at their best.
Al Gharafa forward Ahmed Bashir Kone said the team must give everything in the Al Qadsiah match, demanding focus from all players to showcase their full potential and secure the three points.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al Gharafa and Al Qadsiah take place?
At Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Qatar.
What is Al Gharafa's current standing in the AFC Champions League?
They have yet to earn a point and are on a losing streak of three consecutive defeats.
What are Al Qadsiah's objectives for this match?
They aim to secure a place in the Round of 16 and are unbeaten after three matches.