DOHA: The Emir Cup, the most popular football tournament in the country, kicks off on Monday. Qatargas League title champions Muaither take on Al Shahaniya in the opening game on Monday. In the second game of the 2016 Emir Cup, Al Makrkhiya will face Al Shamal. The tournament which is played over five stages will be beamed live on TV. Muaither, who were promoted to Qatar Stars League (QSL), finished Qatargas League with 44 points last month. Al Shahaniya finished second with 38 points. Muaither will be hoping their high-scoring striker Mahmood Alzaatar who scored 20 goals in Qatargas League shows good form. Ahmed Mubarak will be key for Al Shahaniya. Mubarak scored 6 goals for his team. The second round of the 44th Emir Cup will commence days just after the end of the Qatar Cup to be held later this month. The final of the five-stage event will be held on May 20. The top four sides in QSL get a bye for the latter stages of the event.