DOHA (Qatar): Reigning Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail were drawn to play Al Ahli in their opening 2021 Amir Cup following the draw on Monday.
Defending champions Al Sadd will play Muaither while Al Gharafa vs Al Shahaniya, Al Sailiya vs Al Khor and Al Arabi vs Umm Salal were the other fixtures.
In other fixtures, Qatar SC will take on Al Shamal, Al Wakrah will play Al Kharaitiyat and Al Rayyan will face off against Al Markhiya.
The two teams are part of the 16-team tournament set to begin later this month.
The draw for the 49th Amir Cup is based on the rankings in the Qatar Stars League and the Second Division League of the 2019-2020 season.
Teams Al Duhail, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, Al Sailiya, Al Wakra, Al Arabi and Qatar SC were placed in Group A as the top eight sides from the First Division.
Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Khor and Al Shahaniya were slotted with top three teams from the Second Division Al Kharaitiyat, Al Markhiya and Al Shamal teams in addition to Muaither.
The 2021 Amir Cup is beginning earlier than usual. The country’s most popular tournament will conclude with a final that will be announced later.
Last month, Al Sadd beat Al Arabi 2-1 at brand new 2022 World Cup venue Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to win the 2020 Amir Cup title.
