Emir Cup: 'Big Four' set for the semi-finals

background image

Wednesday, May 11th 2016 02:37 AM

DOHA: The 'Big Four' of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) - Al Rayyan, El Jaish, Lekhwiya and Al Sadd - will lock horns in the semi-finals of the Emir Cup on Friday with aims of winning the season-ending championship. In the first semi-final, Al Rayyan - the QSL champions - take on defending championsAl Sadd at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with the kick-off set for 5:30pm. In the evening's second semi-final at the same venue with the kick-off setfor 8:00pm,Lekhwiya willtake on El Jaish for a place in the final which will be played on May20. Al Rayyan facing hosts Al Sadd is one of the most sought-after games in Qatar with the rivalry between the twoteams going back a long way historically. Coached by Jorge Fossati, Al Rayyan will be looking to conquer the defending champions whowereadmittedly fortunate to edge a formidable Al Gharafa side in the quarterfinals. Al Sadd, coached by Jesualdo Ferreira, will be looking for their first piece of silverware this season having failed to stop Al Rayyan in QSL. In the second semi-final, El Jaish havetheirsights set onafirst Emir Cup on the expense of Lekhwiya. Coached by Sabri Lamouchi, El Jaish are one of the most consistent sides in Qatar. They beat Al Ahli 4-2 after conceding the first goal in the quarter-finals three days ago. Lekhwiya, coached by Djamel Belmadi, will be looking for an outright win having struggled in their quarter-finals against Al Sailiyah three days ago. The tickets have been picked up by the fans and a housefull is expected to witness the two games on Friday.