Amir Cup draw: Al Arabi to open title defence against Al Sailiya
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Al Arabi will begin their Amir Cup title defence with a Round of 16 clash against Al Sailiya on May 6, while newly crowned Expo Stars Lea...
Doha, Qatar: Al Arabi will begin their Amir Cup title defence with a Round of 16 clash against Al Sailiya on May 6, while newly-crowned Expo Stars League (ESL) champions Al Sadd start their hunt for a record-extending 19th trophy against Al Markhiya, the draw revealed yesterday.
This year’s Amir Cup, which is in its 52nd edition, featured a total of 20 teams for the first time in history. It includes 12 ESL and eight Second Division clubs with four teams being already eliminated following the preliminary stage earlier this week.
Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain attended the draw ceremony along with QFA Secretary General Mansour Al Ansari, Qatar Stars League officials, coaches and other representatives of the competing teams at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel.
Al Bidda and Al Waab SC are set to make their debuts in the popular competition, while Al Sailiya and Al Khor are the other Second Division outfits in the Round of 16 besides ESL teams.
Al Arabi, who defeated Al Sadd in the final last year to seal their first Amir Cup title in 30 years, will be in action against 2014 runners-up Al Sailiya on the opening day of Round of 16 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, after four-time champions Al Duhail will play against Al Shamal at Al Janoub Stadium.
