RIYADH: Qatar coach Djamel Belmadi on Monday gave a day off to the team players, insisting the squad needed to rest ahead of the clash on Wednesday. Qatar, who have played two draws at the on-going Gulf Cup, are seeking their first win to keep hopes alive of advancing to the semi-finals when they take on Bahrain on Wednesday. Key strikers Sebastian Soria and Khalfan Ibrahim are missing from the event due to injuries. The off day was given to allow players rest ahead of a key game, team officials said on Monday. Qatar, the 2004 Gulf Cup champion, failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2013 edition held in Bahrain.