Amir Cup: Al Sadd to open title defence against Al Kharaitiyat

Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Al Sadd will begin their quest for a record extending 20th Amir Cup title with a tricky Round of 16 clash against Al...

Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Al Sadd will begin their quest for a record-extending 20th Amir Cup title with a tricky Round of 16 clash against Al Kharaitiyat, following an exciting draw unveiled in Doha yesterday.

The draw produced several compelling matchups, with Al Duhail set to take on Al Sailiya, and Al Gharafa drawn against Al Khor in another eye-catching fixture.

Al Ahli will face last year's finalists Qatar SC in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter, while Al Rayyan open their campaign against Lusail. Al Shahania are scheduled to meet Mesaimeer, and Al Wakrah will clash with Umm Salal. Meanwhile, Al Shamal are pitted against Al Arabi in the final fixture of the round.

The draw ceremony, held at Andaz Hotel, was attended by Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buainain, QFA Vice President Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, members of the Executive Committee, Secretary-General Mansoor Al-Ansari, and club representatives.

The draw was conducted by Ali Hamoud Al-Nuaimi, Head of Competitions at the QFA, alongside Hussein Al-Sharshani from the Competitions Department.