DOHA: Fans can expect fireworks after Qatar Stars League (QSL) arch-rivals Al Sadd and Al Rayyan were drawn in the same QNB Cup group following the draw conducted at QSL headquarters on Wednesday. Attended by a host of club and QSL representatives, the tournament will have a new look with newcomers Al Ahli and Muaither, who now play in the QSL. Besides Al Rayyan, QSL champions Al Sadd, who won this title in 2011 after beating Umm Salal in the final, will also face Muaither and Al Khor in Group A. The event starts on October 8. Reigning champions Eljaish, who secured their first ever silverware with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Al Arabi, are in Group B along with Sheikh Jassim Cup runners-up Al Kharaitiyat, Al Ahli, 2012 champions Al Wakra and former winners Al Gharafa, who lifted the title when the competition was first held in 2010. In Group C, two-time QSL champions Lekhwiya coached by Eric Gerets are drawn with Al Arabi, Al Sailiyah, Qatar SC and the 2011 finalists Umm Salal. The teams will play each other once, with the three group winners progressing to the semi-finals. The best runner-up will then join the other three teams in the race for a place in the final. The QNB Cup was launched in 2010 – known then as the Qatar Stars Cup.

GROUP A

Muaither Al Khor Al Arabi Al Rayyan Al Sadd

GROUP B

Al Ahli Al Kharaitiyat Al Wakrah Al Gharafa El Jaish

GROUP C

Lekhwiya Qatar SC Umm Salal Al Sailiyah