DOHA: The 45th edition the Emir Cup - the most popular football tournament in the country - will kick off with two first-round matches involving Al Markhiya, Qatar SC, Mesaimeer and Al Shamal on Sunday. The winners of the two matches will advance to the second phase of the tournament which will be joined by Qatar Stars League (QSL) sides. The second round will be played with the participation of 16 teams. Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium will host the Qatar SC and Mesaimeer match at 5:15 pm followed by the second game between Al Markhiya and Al-Shamal. The second game will kick off at 7:45pm. A clear winner is required in both matches. However, if there are no clear winners in regulation time, then no extra time will be used as teams will take penalties to finalise the outcome of the matches, organisers said on Saturday. A keen tussle is expected in game one in which Qatar SC take on Mesaimeer. Qatar SC won the Emir Cup in 1974 and 1976. The tournament will conclude in May signalling the end of the football season in Qatar.