DOHA : Al Gharafa SC will look to return to winning ways when they host Al Shamal SC in the 16th round of the Doha Stars League at Thani bin Jassim Stadium on Sunday.
Al Gharafa, known as The Cheetahs, surrendered top spot in the standings after a 1-0 defeat to Al Sailiya in the previous round left them on 31 points, one behind leaders Al Sadd.
The loss marked their second straight league defeat, following a 3-1 reverse against Al Sadd in round 14, denting their title momentum.
They also head into the fixture on the back of continental disappointment, having been eliminated from the AFC Champions League after a 2-0 home defeat to Iran’s Tractor S.C. in the final round of the league stage, missing out on a place in the Round of 16.
Al Shamal, meanwhile, sit third with 28 points and are enjoying one of their strongest campaigns in recent seasons. Victory would see them leapfrog Al Gharafa into second place and close the gap on leaders Al Sadd, intensifying the pressure at the top of the table.
With the title race tightening, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the closing stages of the season.
