Al Shamal and Umm Salal faced each other in a friendly match in the Netherlands. Al Shamal emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to Mehdi Salem’s goal in the first half. Both teams used the game as an opportunity to give playing time to a large number of players. This victory came after Al Shamal’s 1-0 defeat to Dutch side Volendam in their first match of the camp.
Following their win against Umm Salal, Al Shamal is set to play two more friendly matches on July 28 and August 1, with the opponents yet to be determined. On the other hand, Umm Salal has four more friendly matches lined up, including games against French, Dutch, and Emirati teams. Their training camp will conclude with a match against Dutch team Telstar on August 2.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli secured a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven U-23 in another friendly match in the Netherlands. Abdel Rahman Fahmy and Erik Exposito were the goal scorers for Al Ahli. The team’s coach made use of the opportunity to rotate the squad and provide valuable match practice to all players. Al Ahli will continue their pre-season preparations with three more friendly matches against teams from the UAE, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The training camp in the Merlo region of the Netherlands will run until August 2 for Al Ahli before they return to Doha to finalize their preparations for the upcoming season. Al Ahli’s Qatar Stars League campaign will kick off against Al Wakrah on August 11 at Al Janoub Stadium in the first round of the competition. In Bratislava, Al Gharafa suffered a 2-1 defeat to Lokomotiva Zvolen in their first friendly match during their training camp in Slovakia. Jamal Hamad scored the lone goal for Gharafa in that game.
Despite the loss, Al Gharafa will play three more friendlies during their preparatory camp in Slovakia. The friendly matches provide an excellent opportunity for teams to test their players, tactics, and formations ahead of the upcoming season. It also allows coaches to assess the progress of their players and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the Qatar Stars League.
Overall, the friendly matches between Al Shamal, Umm Salal, Al Ahli, and PSV Eindhoven U-23 provide valuable experience and preparation for the teams as they gear up for the upcoming season. The training camps in the Netherlands and Slovakia offer the players a chance to build fitness, cohesion, and tactical understanding before the start of the Qatar Stars League. With a mix of local and international opposition, the teams are gaining valuable match practice and sharpening their skills to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
