ID :
207379
Thu, 09/15/2011 - 16:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/207379
The shortlink copeid
Qatar Stars League 2011: Holders Lekhwiya Face Wakrah in Opener
Doha, September 15 (QNA) - Defending champions Lekhwiya will play the first match of the Qatar Stars League 2011 against Al Wakrah here Friday while Qatar Sports Club will face Al Gharafa in the day's second match.
Lekhwiya's title win last year was unprecedented for rarely do teams promoted win major football tournaments on debut in the premier division.
The team has radically altered the balance of power in Qatar's domestic game, displacing Al Gharrafa from the number one spot they had made their own for the past three seasons.
The country's traditional heavyweights will certainly take Lekhwiya threat seriously this season, while less successful outfits will take heart from their example and believe that anything is possible.
Lekhwiya have consistently played the best brand of football under rookie coach Djamel Belmadi to first reach the final of the Sheikh Jassim Cup and later win the League title.
Since Qatar SC won the 2002-03 season, the trophy has changed hands between the QSL's two giants, Al Gharrafa who have won it five times and Al Sadd thrice. Lekhwiya's arrival last year then turned the form-book forecasts by challenging and breaking the longstanding dominance of the two top guns.
Preparations have been intense in the run-up to the 2011 season, with all 12 teams setting up training camps and playing games in Europe to ensure they are in prime form before returning to take part in the traditional pre-season tournament, the Sheikh Jassem Cup.
This year's transfers have been particularly noteworthy, with deals being made right up until the last minute. Starting with Lekhwiya, the title-holders have bolstered their back line with the acquisition of Algerian international and Glasgow Rangers defensive rock, Madjid Bougherra and snapped up Iraq star midfielder Nashat Akram.
Al Gharrafa meanwhile have gone with two Brazilian playmakers, former international Ze Roberto and striker Edmilson, in addition to Iran's Mohammad Khalatbari.
Last season's sixth-placed Al Sadd will be hoping their new Senegalese signing, striker Mamadou Niang, can give them the attacking edge they need to return to the top.
A plethora of signings by sides further down the table suggests that this season will be one to look forward to. Umm Salal have brought in Algerian international and former Lazio midfielder Mourad Meghni, alongside Syrian star Firas Al Khatib who joins them from Kuwait side Al Qadissiyah.
A pair of key arrivals strengthen Al Ahli in the form of Sweden s Christian Wilhemsson, on loan from Saudi side Al Hilal, and Moroccan Hichem Aboucherouane. Al Wakrah have gone for power up front by signing the Iraq national team s attacking duo of Younis Mahmoud and Alaa Abdul Zahra, plus Dutch defender Said Boutahar from Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza.
Qatar SC have added Uzbekistan international Jasur Hasanov to their books, Al Arabi have brought in Iranian defender Hadi Aghili and Morocco s Mohammed Chihani, while Al Khor have lured Euzebiusz Smolarek from Polonia Warsaw.
The sheer quality of football on display in the Stars League has won Qatari football many supporters from the Arab world in recent years. A low proportion of goalless draws combined with packed and vocal stadiums have made Qatar the league to watch in west Asia for many fans of the beautiful game.
387 The number of goals scored in last season's championship, at an average of 2.9 goals per game. (END)
Lekhwiya's title win last year was unprecedented for rarely do teams promoted win major football tournaments on debut in the premier division.
The team has radically altered the balance of power in Qatar's domestic game, displacing Al Gharrafa from the number one spot they had made their own for the past three seasons.
The country's traditional heavyweights will certainly take Lekhwiya threat seriously this season, while less successful outfits will take heart from their example and believe that anything is possible.
Lekhwiya have consistently played the best brand of football under rookie coach Djamel Belmadi to first reach the final of the Sheikh Jassim Cup and later win the League title.
Since Qatar SC won the 2002-03 season, the trophy has changed hands between the QSL's two giants, Al Gharrafa who have won it five times and Al Sadd thrice. Lekhwiya's arrival last year then turned the form-book forecasts by challenging and breaking the longstanding dominance of the two top guns.
Preparations have been intense in the run-up to the 2011 season, with all 12 teams setting up training camps and playing games in Europe to ensure they are in prime form before returning to take part in the traditional pre-season tournament, the Sheikh Jassem Cup.
This year's transfers have been particularly noteworthy, with deals being made right up until the last minute. Starting with Lekhwiya, the title-holders have bolstered their back line with the acquisition of Algerian international and Glasgow Rangers defensive rock, Madjid Bougherra and snapped up Iraq star midfielder Nashat Akram.
Al Gharrafa meanwhile have gone with two Brazilian playmakers, former international Ze Roberto and striker Edmilson, in addition to Iran's Mohammad Khalatbari.
Last season's sixth-placed Al Sadd will be hoping their new Senegalese signing, striker Mamadou Niang, can give them the attacking edge they need to return to the top.
A plethora of signings by sides further down the table suggests that this season will be one to look forward to. Umm Salal have brought in Algerian international and former Lazio midfielder Mourad Meghni, alongside Syrian star Firas Al Khatib who joins them from Kuwait side Al Qadissiyah.
A pair of key arrivals strengthen Al Ahli in the form of Sweden s Christian Wilhemsson, on loan from Saudi side Al Hilal, and Moroccan Hichem Aboucherouane. Al Wakrah have gone for power up front by signing the Iraq national team s attacking duo of Younis Mahmoud and Alaa Abdul Zahra, plus Dutch defender Said Boutahar from Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza.
Qatar SC have added Uzbekistan international Jasur Hasanov to their books, Al Arabi have brought in Iranian defender Hadi Aghili and Morocco s Mohammed Chihani, while Al Khor have lured Euzebiusz Smolarek from Polonia Warsaw.
The sheer quality of football on display in the Stars League has won Qatari football many supporters from the Arab world in recent years. A low proportion of goalless draws combined with packed and vocal stadiums have made Qatar the league to watch in west Asia for many fans of the beautiful game.
387 The number of goals scored in last season's championship, at an average of 2.9 goals per game. (END)
